Radioactive nanoparticles and methods of making and using the same

ABSTRACT

In one aspect, radioactive nanoparticles are described herein. In some embodiments, a radioactive nanoparticle described herein comprises a metal nanoparticle core, an outer metal shell disposed over the metal nanoparticle core, and a metallic radioisotope disposed within the metal nanoparticle core or within the outer metal shell. In some cases, the radioactive nanoparticle has a size of about 30-500 nm in three dimensions. In addition, in some embodiments, the radioactive nanoparticle further comprises an inner metal shell disposed between the metal nanoparticle core and the outer metal shell. The metal nanoparticle core, outer metal shell, and inner metal shell of the radioactive nanoparticle can have various metallic compositions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/161,251, filed on Jun. 15, 2011, which claims prioritypursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/355,364, filed on Jun. 16, 2010, each of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

This invention was made with government support under contractECCS-0901849 awarded by the National Science Foundation. The governmenthas certain rights in the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to radioactive nanoparticles and methodsof making and using radioactive nanoparticles, including forbrachytherapy.

BACKGROUND

The use of radioisotopes for the treatment of disease such as cancerdates back to the beginning of the 20th century. In particular,localized radiotherapy has become a standard treatment option for manycancers. To confine the radiation to tumor sites, two general approachesare currently used in clinical practice: (1) systemic radioisotopetherapy using radiopharmaceuticals and (2) “sealed source” radiotherapyor brachytherapy. In the first approach, radioactive constructs areadministered to a patient systemically. The administered constructs thentarget tumors through metabolism or specific biological events.Radionuclides emitting β-particle, α-particle, or Auger electrons havebeen used in this approach. Unfortunately, the targeting efficacy andretention rate of many radioactive drugs inside tumor sites remain majorchallenges. The undesired uptake of radiopharmaceuticals by normaltissue also remains a problem with the systemic radiotherapy approach.

In brachytherapy, radioactive sources are placed into or next to thetumor volume. In previous brachytherapy methods, radioisotopes areencapsulated in a millimeter sized metal container or capsule to ensurethe radiation sources remain in a desired location, such as theimplantation site. In addition, gamma or X-ray emitting radioisotopesare typically used in previous brachytherapy methods due to the need topenetrate the metal capsule. For clinical applications, thebrachytherapy capsules or “seeds” are permanently placed in the tumorthrough a surgical procedure. The radiation emitted from thebrachytherapy seeds is thus used to treat the tumor “from the insideout,” without traversing as much normal tissues as in external radiationtherapy. However, the surgical implantation of millimeter sizedbrachytherapy seeds can cause many adverse side effects and greatlylimits the application of brachytherapy for different tumor types,sizes, and locations.

Therefore, there remains a need for improved radioactive compositions,including for medical applications such as the radiation treatment ofdisease.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, radioactive nanoparticles are described herein which, insome cases, can provide one or more advantages compared to some othernanoparticles. For example, in some instances, a radioactivenanoparticle described herein can enable non-surgical brachytherapy. Inparticular, a radioactive nanoparticle described herein can beinjectable into a tumor site as a highly dispersed and homogeneoussolution or colloid. Moreover, the radioactive nanoparticle can beretained at the injection site for long periods of time. In this manner,a composition described herein can avoid some complications and adverseeffects associated with surgery while also providing improvedtherapeutic effectiveness. Further, radioactive nanoparticles describedherein may also expand the ability of brachytherapy to be used fortumors having small sizes and/or tumors that are located within regionsof a patient that are more difficult to safely access by surgical means.In addition, radioactive nanoparticles described herein can also permitbrachytherapy to be carried out using radioisotopes that are β-emitters,rather than emitters of gamma rays or X-rays. Thus, compositionsdescribed herein can substantially expand the range of brachytherapymodalities. Other advantages of radioactive nanoparticles of the presentdisclosure are further described hereinbelow.

In some embodiments, a radioactive nanoparticle described hereincomprises a metal nanoparticle core, an outer metal shell disposed overthe metal nanoparticle core, and a metallic radioisotope disposed withinthe metal nanoparticle core or within the outer metal shell. Inaddition, in some embodiments, a radioactive nanoparticle describedherein further comprises an inner metal shell disposed between the metalnanoparticle core and the outer metal shell. As described furtherhereinbelow, the metal nanoparticle core, the outer metal shell, and theinner metal shell can comprise or be formed from a variety of metals.Further, the core, outer shell, and inner shell can have the same ordiffering metallic compositions. Moreover, in some cases, a radioactivenanoparticle described herein has a size of about 30-500 nm or about80-200 nm in three dimensions. Further, in some instances, a compositiondescribed herein comprises a plurality or population of radioactivenanoparticles, and the plurality or population of radioactivenanoparticles exhibits a narrow size distribution.

In another aspect, methods of making a radioactive nanoparticle aredescribed herein. In some embodiments, a method of making a radioactivenanoparticle comprises providing a metal nanoparticle core and formingan inner metal shell over the metal nanoparticle core throughelectroless deposition of a first metal or combination of metals. Inparticular, the first metal or combination of metals can be depositedonto an exterior surface of the metal nanoparticle core. The method alsocomprises forming an outer metal shell over the metal nanoparticle core.Specifically, the outer metal shell can be formed through galvanicreplacement of at least a portion of the inner metal shell with a secondmetal or combination of metals, wherein the second metal or combinationof metals comprises a metallic radioisotope. In addition, in some cases,the second metal or combination of metals further comprises anon-radioactive metallic isotope. Further, in some instances, formingthe outer metal shell comprises carrying out a first galvanicreplacement reaction between the inner metal shell and the metallicradioisotope, and subsequently carrying out a second galvanicreplacement reaction between the inner metal shell and thenon-radioactive metallic isotope. Moreover, as described furtherhereinbelow, the amount of the metallic radioisotope can be smallcompared to the amount of non-radioactive metallic isotope used to formthe outer shell. Additionally, in some embodiments, methods of making aradioactive nanoparticle described herein can be carried out without theuse of a non-metallic reducing agent.

In yet another aspect, methods of performing brachytherapy are describedherein. In some cases, such a method comprises disposing a compositiondescribed herein within a biological compartment such as a tumor. Inparticular, the composition can comprise a plurality of radioactivenanoparticles described herein. For example, in some instances, at leastone of the plurality of radioactive nanoparticles comprises a metalnanoparticle core, an outer metal shell disposed over the metalnanoparticle core, and a metallic radioisotope disposed within the metalnanoparticle core or within the outer metal shell. Further, in somecases, the radioactive nanoparticle has a size of about 30-500 nm inthree dimensions. Moreover, in some embodiments, the composition is acolloidal dispersion of the plurality of radioactive nanoparticles. Inaddition, in some cases, at least about 80% of the radioactivenanoparticles are retained within the tumor or other biologicalcompartment for at least 3 weeks following the time the radioactivenanoparticles were disposed in the tumor or other biologicalcompartment.

These and other embodiments are described in greater detail in thedetailed description and examples which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a three-electrode cell suitable for use in somemethods described herein. FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of severalchannels in a stacked membrane in the cell of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image showing a top viewof an alumina membrane suitable for use in some methods describedherein. FIG. 2B is an SEM image showing a cross section of an aluminamembrane suitable for use in some methods described herein.

FIG. 3A is an SEM image of an alumina membrane suitable for use in somemethods described herein. Scale bar=1 μm. Inset is an enlarged view.Inset scale bar=200 nm. FIG. 3B is an SEM image of an alumina membranesuitable for use in some methods described herein. Scale bar=1 μm.

FIG. 4 is an SEM image of hollow gold (Au) nanoparticles according tosome embodiments described herein, on electrodeposited metal. Scalebar=1 μm.

FIG. 5A is a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image of hollow Aunanoparticles according to some embodiments described herein. Scalebar=100 nm. FIG. 5B is a TEM image of a hollow nanoparticle according tosome embodiments described herein. Scale bar=10 nm. FIG. 5C is a TEMimage of a hollow nanoparticle according to some embodiments describedherein. Scale bar=5 nm. FIG. 5D is a selected area electron diffraction(SAED) pattern of hollow Au nanoparticles according to some embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 6A is an SEM image of hollow Au nanoparticles according to someembodiments described herein, before ion milling. Scale bar=100 nm. FIG.6B is an SEM image of hollow Au nanoparticles according to someembodiments described herein, after ion milling. Scale bar=100 nm.

FIG. 7A is a plot of particle size distribution for a population ofhollow Au nanoparticles according to some embodiments described herein,as measured by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The mean radius is 53±5nm. FIG. 7B is an SEM image of hollow Au nanoparticles according to someembodiments described herein. Scale bar=200 nm.

FIG. 8A illustrates a three-electrode cell suitable for use in somemethods described herein. FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of a silver/glasssubstrate in the cell of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is an SEM image of a patternedsubstrate suitable for use in some methods described herein.

FIG. 9A shows a photolithography photomask pattern for a substratesuitable for use in some methods described herein. FIG. 9B shows apatterned substrate suitable for use in some methods described herein,comprising silver (Ag) stripes on silica (SiO₂). Scale bar=100 μm.

FIG. 10A is an SEM image of Au nanoparticles according to someembodiments described herein, on a Ag/SiO₂ substrate. Scale bar=1 μm.FIG. 10B is an SEM image of Au nanoparticles according to someembodiments described herein, on a Ag/SiO₂ substrate. Scale bar=1 μm.

FIG. 11A illustrates a TEM grid suitable for use in some methodsdescribed herein, comprising copper mesh and carbon film. FIG. 11B is anSEM image of Au nanoparticles according to some embodiments describedherein, on the carbon film of a TEM grid suitable for use in somemethods described herein. Scale bar=1 μm.

FIG. 12A is a TEM image of a hollow Au nanoparticle with a porous shellaccording to some embodiments described herein. Scale bar=10 nm. FIG.12B is a High Resolution TEM (HR-TEM) image of a hollow Au nanoparticlewith a porous shell according to some embodiments described herein.Scale bar=2 nm.

FIG. 13 is an SEM image of double-shell nanoparticles according to someembodiments described herein, after ion milling treatment. Scale bar=200nm.

FIG. 14A is an SEM image of double-shell nanoparticles according to someembodiments described herein. Scale bar=100 nm. FIG. 14B is an SEM imageof double-shell nanoparticles according to some embodiments describedherein. Scale bar=100 nm. FIG. 14C is an SEM image of double-shellnanoparticles according to some embodiments described herein. Scalebar=100 nm. FIG. 14D is a TEM image of a double-shell nanoparticleaccording to some embodiments described herein. Scale bar=20 nm.

FIG. 15A is a TEM image of a porous nanoparticle according to someembodiments described herein. Scale bar=20 nm. FIG. 15B illustrates amethod of making a composite particle according to one embodimentdescribed herein.

FIG. 16A is a TEM image of porous nanoparticles according to someembodiments described herein, before loading with other nanoparticles,according to some embodiments described herein. Scale bar=200 nm. FIG.16B is a TEM image of the nanoparticles of FIG. 16A after loading,according to some embodiments described herein. Scale bar=200 nm. FIG.16C is an energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum of onecomposite nanoparticle from FIG. 16B. FIG. 16D is an SAED pattern ofthree composite nanoparticles from FIG. 16B.

FIG. 17A is a series of photographs of a vial containing compositenanoparticles according to some embodiments described herein. FIG. 17Bis an absorption spectrum of an aqueous suspension of nanoparticlesaccording to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 18 is a hysteresis loop of a dried powder of nanoparticlesaccording to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 19 illustrates a method of making composite particles according toone embodiment described herein.

FIG. 20 illustrates a method of making nanoparticles according to oneembodiment described herein.

FIG. 21 is a Raman spectrum of a composite particle according to someembodiments described herein.

FIG. 22 is a comparison of the absorption spectra of nanoparticlesaccording to some embodiments described herein, in water and in 10 mMphosphate buffered saline (PBS).

FIG. 23A is a plot of the particle size distribution of nanoparticlesaccording to some embodiments described herein, measured by DLS. FIG.23B is an SEM image of nanoparticles according to some embodimentsdescribed herein. Scale bar=5 nm.

FIG. 24A is an SEM image of hollow Au nanoparticles according to someembodiments described herein. FIG. 24B is an SEM image of hollow Aunanoparticles according to some embodiments described herein. FIG. 24Cis an SEM image of hollow Au nanoparticles according to some embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 25A is a comparison of experimental (solid line) and simulated(dashed line) absorption spectra of hollow Au nanoparticles according tosome embodiments described herein. FIG. 25B is a comparison ofexperimental (solid line) and simulated (dashed line) absorption spectraof hollow Au nanoparticles according to some embodiments describedherein. FIG. 25C is a comparison of experimental (solid line) andsimulated (dashed line) absorption spectra of hollow Au nanoparticlesaccording to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 26A is an SEM image of nanoparticles according to some embodimentsdescribed herein. Scale bar=100 nm. FIG. 26B is an SEM image ofnanoparticles according to some embodiments described herein. Scalebar=100 nm.

FIG. 27 illustrates an experiment for measuring photothermal propertiesaccording to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 28A is a comparison of some photothermal properties of hollow Aunanoparticles according to some embodiments described herein, and waterat different measurement distances. FIG. 28B is a comparison of somephotothermal properties of hollow Au nanoparticles according to someembodiments described herein, measured at different distances and times.FIG. 28C is a comparison of some photothermal properties of watermeasured at different distances and times.

FIG. 29 is an infrared absorbance image of a cuvette containing hollowAu nanoparticles according to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 30 is a comparison of temperature increases associated with solidAu nanoparticles, hollow Au nanoparticles according to some embodimentsdescribed herein, and water.

FIG. 31 is a series of cyclic voltammetry measurements. Data wasrecorded from the open circuit potential to −1.0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) at ascan rate of 5 mV/s. The measurements were of different electrolytesincluding 10% sodium gold sulfite (Na₃Au(SO₃)₂) (aq.) and exhibiting apH of about 6. The electrolyte associated with the data marked withtriangles further included nickel sulfamate (Ni(SO₃NH₂)₂). Theelectrolyte associated with the data marked with circles furtherincluded Ni(SO₃NH₂)₂ and ethylenediamine (EDA).

FIG. 32 is a plot of hollow Au nanoparticle size according to someembodiments described herein, against applied potential.

FIG. 33 is a plot of hollow Au nanoparticle size according to someembodiments described herein, against reaction time.

FIG. 34 is a comparison of the measured temperature of a cuvette ofwater and a cuvette containing an aqueous suspension of hollow Aunanoparticles (1.9×10⁹ particles per mL) according to some embodimentsdescribed herein, as a function of irradiation time, where irradiationwas carried out using a near infrared (NIR) laser (800 nm) directed atthe center of the cuvette with an incident laser power of 350 mW and a 3mm diameter collimated Gaussian beam. The incident light flux was 1.2W/cm². The temperature increase of the cuvette containing hollow Aunanoparticles according to some embodiments described herein, was 38degrees after 10 minutes irradiation.

FIG. 35A shows the calculated total extinction, scattering andabsorption efficiency for concentric hollow nanospheres using Mietheory. FIG. 35B shows measured absorption spectra of hollow Aunanoparticles according to some embodiments described herein, havingdifferent sizes.

FIG. 36 illustrates schematically a method of making a radioactivenanoparticle according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 37 is a TEM image of non-radioactive nanoparticles corresponding toradioactive nanoparticles according to one embodiment described herein.The scale bar inset corresponds to 50 nm.

FIG. 38 is an SEM image of non-radioactive nanoparticles correspondingto radioactive nanoparticles according to one embodiment describedherein. The scale bar inset corresponds to 200 nm.

FIG. 39 illustrates serial SPECT/CT imaging of tumor-bearing micetreated with radioactive nanoparticles according to some embodimentsdescribed herein. The white arrows in FIG. 39 indicate the locations oftumors.

FIG. 40 illustrates the results of quantitative SPECT analysis ofradioactivity (quantified as percentage injected dose per gram, % ID/g)from the tumor, liver, and spleen of mice treated with radioactivenanoparticles according to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 41 illustrates tumor volume for mice treated with controlcompositions and radioactive nanoparticles according to some embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 42 illustrates body weight for mice treated with controlcompositions and radioactive nanoparticles according to some embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 43 illustrates serial FDG-PET/CT images for mice treated withcontrol compositions and radioactive nanoparticles according to someembodiments described herein. The white arrows in FIG. 43 indicate tumorsites.

FIG. 44 illustrates the results of quantitative PET analysis for micetreated with control compositions and radioactive nanoparticlesaccording to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 45 illustrates tumor volume changes determined by CT scan analysis(mean±SEM) for mice treated with control compositions and radioactivenanoparticles according to some embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein can be understood more readily by referenceto the following detailed description, drawings, and examples and theirprevious and following descriptions. Elements, apparatus, and methodsdescribed herein, however, are not limited to the specific embodimentspresented in the detailed description, drawings, and examples. It shouldbe recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of theprinciples of the present invention. Numerous modifications andadaptations will be readily apparent to those of skill in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In addition, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood toencompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a statedrange of “1.0 to 10.0” should be considered to include any and allsubranges beginning with a minimum value of 1.0 or more and ending witha maximum value of 10.0 or less, e.g., 1.0 to 5.3, or 4.7 to 10.0, or3.6 to 7.9.

All ranges disclosed herein are also to be considered to include the endpoints of the range, unless expressly stated otherwise. For example, arange of “between 5 and 10” should generally be considered to includethe end points 5 and 10.

Further, when the phrase “up to” is used in connection with an amount orquantity, it is to be understood that the amount is at least adetectable amount or quantity. For example, a material present in anamount “up to” a specified amount can be present from a detectableamount and up to and including the specified amount.

I. Hollow Nanoparticles

In one aspect, hollow nanoparticles are described herein which, in someembodiments, may offer one or more advantages over prior nanoparticles.In some embodiments, for example, a hollow nanoparticle described hereinexhibits an SPR peak tunable from about 600 nm to about 900 nm, therebyproviding properties useful in various imaging, therapeutic,theranostic, and sensing applications. In some embodiments, a hollownanoparticle described herein exhibits desirable magnetic and/orphotothermal properties. In some embodiments, a hollow nanoparticledescribed herein is useful for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) andpositron emission tomography (PET). In some embodiments, a hollownanoparticle described herein exhibits desirable catalytic properties.In some embodiments, a hollow nanoparticle described herein isnon-toxic. In some embodiments, a hollow nanoparticle described hereinis operable for photothermal therapy.

In some embodiments, a hollow metal nanoparticle comprises a metal shelland a cavity substantially defined by the shell, wherein the shell has athickness greater than or equal to about 5 nm and the cavity has acurved surface. In some embodiments, a hollow metal nanoparticlecomprises a metallic shell and a cavity substantially defined by theshell, wherein the shell has a thickness greater than or equal to about5 nm and the cavity has a curved surface. In some embodiments, a hollownanoparticle comprises a polycrystalline metal shell and a cavitysubstantially defined by the shell, wherein the cavity has a curvedsurface. In some embodiments, a hollow nanoparticle comprises apolycrystalline metallic shell and a cavity substantially defined by theshell, wherein the cavity has a curved surface.

Hollow metal nanoparticles described herein, in some embodiments, have acavity exhibiting various morphologies. In some embodiments, forexample, the cavity is substantially spherical or hemispherical. In someembodiments, the cavity is substantially parabolic, elliptical, orellipsoidal. In some embodiments, the cavity comprises a polygonal orfaceted surface. The cavity, in some embodiments, exhibits varioussizes. In some embodiments, the cavity has a diameter of about 50 nm toabout 300 nm. In some embodiments, the cavity has a diameter of about 50nm.

Hollow metal nanoparticles described herein, in some embodiments,exhibit various morphologies. In some embodiments, a hollow metalnanoparticle described herein is substantially hemispherical. In someembodiments, the nanoparticle is substantially tubular. In someembodiments, the nanoparticle comprises a curved exterior surface. Insome embodiments, the nanoparticle is substantially spherical. In someembodiments, the nanoparticle comprises a parabolic exterior surface. Insome embodiments, the nanoparticle is substantially elliptical orellipsoidal.

Hollow metal nanoparticles described herein, in some embodiments, havevarious sizes. In some embodiments, a hollow metal nanoparticlecomprising a metal shell and a cavity substantially defined by the shellhas a diameter of about 50 nm to about 1000 nm. In some embodiments, thehollow nanoparticle has a diameter of about 50 nm to about 160 nm, about60 nm to about 160 nm, about 80 nm to about 160 nm, or about 100 nm toabout 150 nm. In some embodiments, the hollow nanoparticle has adiameter of about 60 nm to about 100 nm.

In some embodiments, a substantially tubular hollow nanoparticle has adiameter ranging from about 100 nm to about 400 nm and a length rangingfrom about 500 nm to about 2 μm. In some embodiments, a substantiallytubular hollow nanoparticle has a length of about 1 μm.

In some embodiments, a plurality of hollow nanoparticles describedherein has a narrow size distribution. In some embodiments, a pluralityof hollow nanoparticles described herein has a size distribution with astandard deviation not greater than about 20%. In some embodiments, aplurality of hollow nanoparticles described herein has a sizedistribution with a standard deviation not greater than about 15%, notgreater than about 10%, or not greater than about 5%. In someembodiments, a plurality of hollow nanoparticles described herein has asize distribution of 106 nm±10 nm, wherein 106 nm is the mean diameterand 10 nm is the standard deviation.

Hollow metal nanoparticles described herein, in some embodiments,exhibit various shell structures. In some embodiments, a shell of ahollow metal nanoparticle is porous. In some embodiments, for example,the shell has pores having a size between about 0.5 nm and about 3 nm.In some embodiments, the shell has pores having a size between about 2nm and about 3 nm. In some embodiments, the shell of a hollow metalnanoparticle is non-porous. In some embodiments, the shell ispolycrystalline. In some embodiments, the shell has a grain size ofabout 3 nm to about 8 nm. In some embodiments, the shell has a grainsize of about 5 nm to about 8 nm. In some embodiments, the shell has agrain size less than about 5 nm. In some embodiments, the shell issingle crystalline.

Hollow metal nanoparticles described herein, in some embodiments,exhibit various shell thicknesses. In some embodiments, a shell of ahollow metal nanoparticle has a thickness of about 5 nm to about 1000nm. In some embodiments, the shell has a thickness greater than about 20nm. In some embodiments, the shell has a thickness of about 5 nm toabout 8 nm. In some embodiments, the shell has a thickness of about 5 nmto about 20 nm, about 8 nm to about 25 nm, about 8 nm to about 45 nm,about 25 nm to about 45 nm, about 25 nm to about 500 nm, about 25 nm toabout 1000 nm, about 45 nm to about 300 nm, about 45 nm to about 500 nm,or about 45 nm to about 1000 nm.

Hollow metal nanoparticles described herein, in some embodiments,exhibit various surface roughnesses. In some embodiments, surfaceroughness values described herein are based on the grain size of thesurface measured by HR-TEM. In some embodiments, for example, a surfaceroughness of about 5 nm corresponds to a measured grain size of about 5nm. In some embodiments, a hollow metal nanoparticle described hereinhas a surface roughness less than about 5 nm. In some embodiments, ananoparticle has a surface roughness between about 3 nm and about 8 nm.In some embodiments, a nanoparticle has a surface roughness of about 5nm to about 8 nm. In some embodiments, a nanoparticle has a surfaceroughness less than about 3 nm or more than about 8 nm.

Hollow metal nanoparticles described herein, in some embodiments,comprise shells having various compositions. In some embodiments, forexample, the shell of a hollow metal nanoparticle described hereincomprises one or more of iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), palladium(Pd), platinum (Pt), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gold (Au), zinc (Zn), andtin (Sn). In some embodiments, the shell comprises Au. In someembodiments, the shell comprises a metal capable of undergoingdeposition by an oxidation-reduction reaction. In some embodiments, theshell comprises a metal capable of undergoing electroless deposition. Insome embodiments, the shell comprises a plurality of metals havingsubstantially similar reduction potentials.

Hollow metal nanoparticles described herein, in some embodiments,exhibit various optical properties. In some embodiments, a hollow metalnanoparticle described herein exhibits an absorption profile comprisinga surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak. In some embodiments, forexample, a hollow metal nanoparticle comprising a metal shell describedherein exhibits a surface plasmon resonance peak between about 600 nmand about 900 nm. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle exhibits asurface plasmon resonance peak between about 600 nm and about 750 nm. Insome embodiments, the nanoparticle exhibits a surface plasmon resonancepeak between about 650 nm and about 900 nm. In some embodiments, thenanoparticle exhibits a surface plasmon resonance peak between about 700nm and about 800 nm

Hollow nanoparticles described herein, in some embodiments, comprisevarious materials within the cavity defined by the metal shell. Anymaterial not incompatible with the objectives of the present inventionmay be used in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the cavitycomprises one or more of a gas, a nanoparticle, a therapeutic agent, anenzyme, a catalyst, and a dye. In some embodiments, the cavity comprisesa gas. In some embodiments, the gas comprises a reducing gas. In someembodiments, the reducing gas is capable of reducing one or more of themetals from a higher oxidation state to a lower oxidation state. In someembodiments, the reducing gas is capable of reducing one or more of themetals from a positive oxidation state to an oxidation state of zero. Insome embodiments, for example, the gas comprises H₂. In someembodiments, the gas comprises NH₃. In some embodiments, the gascomprises an electrochemically generated gas.

In some embodiments, a hollow metal nanoparticle described hereinfurther comprises one or more additional nanoparticles at leastpartially disposed in the cavity defined by the metal shell. In someembodiments, a hollow metal nanoparticle described herein furthercomprises a plurality of second nanoparticles at least partiallydisposed in the cavity defined by the metal shell. In some embodiments,a hollow metal nanoparticle described herein further comprises at leastone second nanoparticle at least partially disposed in the cavitydefined by the metal shell. In some embodiments, at least one secondnanoparticle comprises a cluster of nanoparticles. In some embodiments,at least one second nanoparticle comprises an organic nanoparticle. Insome embodiments, at least one second nanoparticle comprises aninorganic nanoparticle. In some embodiments, at least one secondnanoparticle comprises a semiconductor nanoparticle. In someembodiments, the second nanoparticle comprises a metal nanoparticle. Insome embodiments, at least one second nanoparticle comprises a metaloxide nanoparticle. In some embodiments, at least one secondnanoparticle comprises a ceramic nanoparticle. In some embodiments, atleast one second nanoparticle comprises a quantum dot. In someembodiments, at least one second nanoparticle comprises a magneticnanoparticle. In some embodiments, the magnetic nanoparticle issuperparamagnetic. In some embodiments, the magnetic nanoparticle isferromagnetic.

In some embodiments, at least one second nanoparticle can demonstratevarious compositions. In some embodiments, at least one secondnanoparticle comprises iron oxide. In some embodiments, at least onesecond nanoparticle comprises doped Fe₃O₄. In some embodiments, dopedFe₃O₄ comprises one or more nuclides useful for positron emissiontomography (PET). In some embodiments, doped Fe₃O₄ comprises one or moreof ⁶⁴Cu, ⁸⁹Zr, ¹¹C, ¹⁸F, and ⁶⁷Ga. In some embodiments, doped Fe₃O₄comprises one or more of ⁶⁴Cu and ⁸⁹Zr.

In some embodiments, at least one second nanoparticle comprises a secondhollow metal nanoparticle. In some embodiments, the second hollow metalnanoparticle has substantially the same chemical composition as theshell.

In some embodiments wherein the hollow metal nanoparticle comprises atleast one second nanoparticle, at least one second nanoparticle has adiameter of less than about 50 nm. In some embodiments, at least onesecond nanoparticle has a diameter of less than about 20 nm. In someembodiments, at least one second nanoparticle has a diameter betweenabout 5 nm and about 20 nm or between about 30 nm and about 50 nm. Insome embodiments, the shell is porous and at least one secondnanoparticle has a diameter greater than the pore size.

In some embodiments, the cavity of a hollow metal nanoparticle describedherein comprises a therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, thetherapeutic agent comprises a gas. In some embodiments, the therapeuticagent comprises an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, thetherapeutic agent comprises a drug.

Hollow metal nanoparticles described herein, in some embodiments,further comprise various species associated with one or more outersurfaces of the nanoparticle. In some embodiments, one or more speciesare associated with an outer surface directly. In some embodiments, oneor more species are associated with an outer surface indirectly. In someembodiments, one or more species are associated with an outer surfaceindirectly through one or more species that are associated with an outersurface directly. In some embodiments, at least one species associatedwith an outer surface comprises a targeting agent. In some embodiments,at least one species associated with an outer surface comprises a Ramanactive species. In some embodiments, at least one species associatedwith an outer surface comprises a polyethylene glycol moiety. In someembodiments, a first species associated with an outer surface comprisesa Raman active species and forms a first layer and a second speciesassociated with the outer surface comprises a polyethylene glycol moietyand forms a second layer, wherein the second layer substantiallysurrounds the first layer. In some embodiments, a first speciesassociated with an outer surface comprises a polyethylene glycol moietyand a second species associated with the outer surface comprises atargeting agent.

II. Methods of Making Hollow Nanoparticles

In another aspect, methods of making hollow nanoparticles are describedherein, which, in some embodiments, may offer one or more advantagesover prior methods of making nanoparticles. In some embodiments, forexample, a method of making hollow nanoparticles described herein issimple, efficient, scalable, inexpensive, and reproducible. In someembodiments, a method of making hollow nanoparticles comprises forming aplurality of gas bubbles and forming a shell on the surface of at leastone of the plurality of gas bubbles to form a hollow nanoparticle,wherein at least one of the gas bubbles is electrochemically generated.In some embodiments, forming a plurality of gas bubbles compriseselectrochemically forming a plurality of gas bubbles. In someembodiments, forming a shell on the surface of at least one of theplurality of gas bubbles to form a hollow nanoparticle comprises forminga shell on the surface of at least one electrochemically generated gasbubble. In some embodiments, the shell is metallic.

Methods of making hollow nanoparticles described herein, in someembodiments, comprise forming a plurality of gas bubbles having variousphysical and chemical properties. In some embodiments, at least one ofthe gas bubbles comprises a reducing gas. In some embodiments, at leastone of the gas bubbles comprises H₂. In some embodiments, at least oneof the gas bubbles comprises NH₃. In some embodiments, at least one ofthe gas bubbles comprises an oxidizing gas. In some embodiments, atleast one of the gas bubbles comprises O₂. In some embodiments, at leastone of the gas bubbles comprises a relatively inert gas. In someembodiments, at least one of the gas bubbles comprises CO₂.

In some embodiments, a method of making hollow nanoparticles describedherein comprises forming a shell on at least one gas bubble havingvarious sizes. In some embodiments, for example, at least one of the gasbubbles on which a shell is formed has a diameter between about 40 nmand about 60 nm. In some embodiments, at least one of the gas bubbles onwhich a shell is formed has a diameter between about 50 nm and about 300nm. In some embodiments, at least one of the gas bubbles on which ashell is formed has a diameter of about 50 nm.

Methods of making hollow nanoparticles described herein, in someembodiments, comprise forming at least one gas bubble electrochemicallyat various applied potentials. In some embodiments, at least one of thegas bubbles is electrochemically generated at a potential more negativethan the equilibrium potential. In some embodiments, at least one of thegas bubbles is electrochemically generated at a potential more negativethan the equilibrium potential of gas evolution. In some embodiments,for example, at least one of the gas bubbles is electrochemicallygenerated at a potential more negative than about −0.6 V relative toAg/AgCl. In some embodiments, at least one of the gas bubbles iselectrochemically generated at a potential between about −0.7 V and−0.85 V relative to Ag/AgCl. In some embodiments, at least one of thegas bubbles is electrochemically generated at a potential between about−0.55 V and −0.8 V relative to Ag/AgCl. In some embodiments, at leastone of the gas bubbles is electrochemically generated at a potentialmore negative than about −0.6 V relative to Ag/AgCl at about 25° C. anda pH between about 5 and about 8. In some embodiments, at least one ofthe gas bubbles is electrochemically generated at a potential betweenabout −0.7 V and −0.85 V relative to Ag/AgCl at about 25° C. and a pHbetween about 5 and about 8. In some embodiments, at least one of thegas bubbles is electrochemically generated at a potential between about−0.55 V and −0.8 V relative to Ag/AgCl at about 25° C. and a pH betweenabout 5 and about 8.

In some embodiments, a method of making hollow nanoparticles comprisesforming a plurality of gas bubbles and forming a shell on the surface ofat least one of the plurality of gas bubbles to form a hollownanoparticle, wherein at least one of the gas bubbles iselectrochemically generated and wherein forming a shell comprisesdepositing material through one or more oxidation-reduction reactions.In some embodiments, forming a shell comprises depositing materialthrough electroless deposition.

Methods of making hollow nanoparticles described herein, in someembodiments, further comprise providing an electrolyte having variousproperties and compositions. In some embodiments, forming the pluralityof gas bubbles and forming the shell occurs in the presence of theelectrolyte. In some embodiments, the electrolyte exhibits a pH betweenabout 5 and about 8. In some embodiments, the electrolyte exhibits a pHbetween about 6 and about 7.

In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises a metal-containingspecies. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises ametal-containing species capable of undergoing deposition through anoxidation-reduction reaction. In some embodiments, the electrolytecomprises a metal-containing species capable of undergoing electrolessdeposition. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises ametal-containing species comprising a metal capable of being reduced byH₂. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises a metal-containingspecies comprising a metal capable of being reduced by NH₃. In someembodiments, the electrolyte comprises a metal-containing speciescapable of being reduced by an aqueous reducing agent. In someembodiments, the electrolyte comprises a plurality of metal-containingspecies having substantially similar reduction potentials. In someembodiments, for example, each of the plurality of metal-containingspecies is capable of being reduced by the same reducing agent. In someembodiments, the electrolyte comprises a metal-containing speciescomprising a metal capable of being oxidized by O₂. In some embodiments,the electrolyte comprises a metal-containing species capable of beingoxidized by an aqueous oxidizing agent. In some embodiments, themetal-containing species comprises one or more of Fe, Co, Ni, Pd, Pt,Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, and Sn. In some embodiments, the metal-containingspecies comprises Au. In some embodiments, the metal-containing speciescomprises one or more of titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), Fe, Co, Ni, Cu,Zn, and Sn.

In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises a reducing agent. Anyreducing agent not incompatible with the objectives of the presentinvention may be used.

In some embodiments, the reducing agent comprises one or more ofphosphites, hypophosphites, hydrazines, borohydrides, cyanoborohydrides,trialkylamines and trialkylphosphines. In some embodiments, the reducingagent comprises one or more of glyoxylic acid, sodium hypophosphite(Na₂H₂PO₂), sodium hypophosphite monohydrate (Na₂H₂PO₂.H₂O),formaldehyde, sodium borohydride (NaBH₄), sodium cyanoborohydride(NaBH₃(CN)), hydrazine (N₂H₄), hydrazine monohydrate (N₂H₄.H₂O),hydrazine-borane, hydroxylamine hydrochloride, formic acid,trimethylamine borane (DMAB), thiourea, ascorbic acid, titaniumtrichloride, lithium aluminum hydride, triethylsilane, mercaptosuccinicacid, 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane, gelatin, and sodium citrate. In someembodiments, the electrolyte comprises an oxidizing agent. Any oxidizingagent not incompatible with the objectives of the present invention maybe used. In some embodiments, the oxidizing agent comprises one or moreof permanganates, chromates, dichromates, perchlorates, and peroxides.

In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises a stabilizing ligand. Insome embodiments, the stabilizing ligand is operable to stabilize one ormore hollow nanoparticles against aggregation or agglomeration. In someembodiments, the stabilizing ligand comprises a species having a firstend operable to associate with a surface of one or more hollownanoparticles and a second end operable to interact with solution. Insome embodiments, the stabilizing ligand comprises a surfactant. In someembodiments, the stabilizing ligand comprises a thiol. In someembodiments, the stabilizing ligand comprises one or more of an amine, aphosphine, a carboxylic acid, and a carboxylate. Non-limiting examplesof stabilizing ligands suitable for use in some embodiments includemercaptoacetic acid, mercaptopropionic acid, hexadecylamine,triphenylphosphine, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, citric acid andsodium citrate.

In some embodiments, a method of making hollow nanoparticles comprisesforming a plurality of gas bubbles, and forming a shell on the surfaceof at least one of the plurality of gas bubbles to form a hollownanoparticle, wherein at least one of the gas bubbles iselectrochemically generated and wherein forming the plurality of gasbubbles and forming the shell occurs in the presence of an electrolyte,the electrolyte comprising a metal-containing species and one or morepromoters. In some embodiments, at least one promoter comprisesethylenediamine (EDA). In some embodiments, at least one promotercomprises ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). In some embodiments,at least one promoter comprises (SO₃)²⁻. In some embodiments, at leastone promoter comprises one or more of Ni²⁺, Pd²⁺, and Pt²⁺. In someembodiments, at least one promoter comprises Ni²⁺.

Methods of making hollow nanoparticles described herein, in someembodiments, comprise providing one or more nucleation substrates. Insome embodiments, forming a plurality of gas bubbles comprises formingat least one gas bubble on at least one nucleation substrate. In someembodiments, at least one nucleation substrate comprises a solidsurface. In some embodiments, at least one nucleation substratecomprises a surface that operates as a working electrode. In someembodiments, the nucleation substrate comprises at least one surfacethat does not operate as an electrode.

In some embodiments, at least one nucleation substrate comprises anorganic polymer. In some embodiments, at least one nucleation substratecomprises an inorganic material. In some embodiments, at least onenucleation substrate comprises a nanoparticle. In some embodiments, atleast one nucleation substrate comprises silver (Ag). In someembodiments, at least one nucleation substrate comprises silicon (Si).In some embodiments, at least one nucleation substrate comprises silica(SiO₂). In some embodiments, at least one nucleation substrate comprisestitania (TiO₂). In some embodiments, at least one nucleation substratecomprises alumina (Al₂O₃). In some embodiments, at least one nucleationsubstrate comprises copper (Cu). In some embodiments, at least onenucleation substrate comprises carbon (C). In some embodiments, at leastone nucleation substrate comprises a patterned substrate. In someembodiments, at least one nucleation substrate comprises a patternedglass substrate. In some embodiments, at least one nucleation substratecomprises a SiO₂ substrate comprising at least one Ag stripe. In someembodiments, at least one nucleation substrate comprises a TEM grid.

In some embodiments, at least one nucleation substrate comprises amembrane. In some embodiments, the membrane has a high surface area. Insome embodiments, the membrane comprises a track etched membrane. Insome embodiments, the membrane comprises polycarbonate. In someembodiments, the membrane comprises polyester. In some embodiments, themembrane comprises cellulose. In some embodiments, the membranecomprises one or more of regenerated cellulose, cellulose acetate,cellulose nitrate, and mixed cellulose ester. In some embodiments, themembrane comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In some embodiments,the membrane comprises polyamide. In some embodiments, the membranecomprises nylon. In some embodiments, the membrane comprisespolyethersulfone (PES). In some embodiments, the membrane comprisespolypropylene. In some embodiments, the membrane comprises porous glass.In some embodiments, the membrane comprises anodic aluminum oxide (AAO).In some embodiments, the membrane comprises pores having a diameter ofabout 100 nm to about 3000 nm. In some embodiments, the membranecomprises pores having a diameter of about 100 nm to about 500 nm.

Methods of making hollow nanoparticles described herein, in someembodiments, comprise providing a plurality of nucleation substrates. Insome embodiments, the plurality of nucleation substrates comprisesstacked membranes. In some embodiments, the plurality of nucleationsubstrates comprises stacked membranes comprising anodic aluminum oxide.Methods of making hollow nanoparticles described herein, in someembodiments, further comprise selectively dissolving one or morenucleation substrates following forming a shell.

In some embodiments, a method of making hollow nanoparticles comprisesforming a plurality of gas bubbles, forming a shell on the surface of atleast one of the plurality of gas bubbles to form a hollow nanoparticle,providing one or more precursors of at least one second nanoparticle,and forming at least one second nanoparticle from the one or moreprecursors within a cavity defined by the shell, wherein at least one ofthe gas bubbles is electrochemically generated. In some embodiments, theshell substantially surrounds at least one second nanoparticle. In someembodiments, providing one or more precursors of at least one secondnanoparticle comprises providing a first precursor before providing asecond precursor. In some embodiments, providing one or more precursorsof at least one second nanoparticle comprises providing at least oneaqueous solution of the one or more precursors.

In some embodiments, a method of making hollow nanoparticles comprisesforming a plurality of gas bubbles, forming a shell on the surface of atleast one of the plurality of gas bubbles to form a hollow nanoparticle,providing one or more precursors of a plurality of second nanoparticles,and forming the plurality of second nanoparticles from the one or moreprecursors within a cavity defined by the shell, wherein at least one ofthe gas bubbles is electrochemically generated. In some embodiments, theshell substantially surrounds the plurality of second nanoparticles.

Methods of making hollow nanoparticles described herein, in someembodiments, further comprise associating one or more species to one ormore outer surfaces of the shell. In some embodiments, one or morespecies are associated with an outer surface of the shell directly. Insome embodiments, one or more species are associated with an outersurface indirectly. In some embodiments, one or more species areassociated with an outer surface indirectly through one or more speciesthat are associated with the outer surface directly. In someembodiments, one or more species associated with an outer surface of theshell comprises a polyethylene glycol moiety. In some embodiments, oneor more species associated with an outer surface of the shell comprisesa targeting agent. In some embodiments, one or more species associatedwith an outer surface of the shell comprises a Raman active species.

In some embodiments of methods of making hollow nanoparticles describedherein, the method is a one-pot method. In some embodiments, a one-potmethod comprises forming the nanoparticles from one or more startingmaterials in one pot or in a single reaction vessel. In someembodiments, none of the starting materials in the single reactionvessel comprises a pre-formed nanoparticle. In some embodiments, none ofthe starting materials in the single reaction vessel comprises a solidpre-formed nanoparticle. In some embodiments of methods of making hollownanoparticles described herein, the method is a one-step method. In someembodiments, a one-step method comprises forming the hollownanoparticles without first making solid cores for the hollownanoparticles.

In some embodiments, hollow nanoparticles made in accordance with one ormore methods described herein can have any of the properties recitedherein for hollow nanoparticles. For example, in some embodiments, amethod of making hollow nanoparticles described herein comprises makinghollow nanoparticles having a cavity having a size or shape as describedherein. In some embodiments, a method of making hollow nanoparticlesdescribed herein comprises making hollow nanoparticles having a shellhaving a thickness or composition as described herein.

III. Composite Particles

In another aspect, composite particles are described herein, which, insome embodiments, may offer one or more advantages over prior compositeparticles. In some embodiments, for example, a composite particledescribed herein exhibits theranostic and/or dual imaging properties. Insome embodiments, a composite particle described herein is useful formagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET).In some embodiments, a composite particle described herein is non-toxic.In some embodiments, a composite particle described herein is operablefor photothermal therapy.

In some embodiments, a composite particle comprises at least onenanoparticle and a polycrystalline metal shell substantiallyencapsulating at least one nanoparticle, wherein at least one surface ofat least one nanoparticle is not in contact with the shell. In someembodiments, a composite particle comprises at least one nanoparticleand a metal shell substantially encapsulating at least one nanoparticle,wherein the metal shell has a thickness of about 10 nm to about 200 nmand at least one surface of the at least one nanoparticle is not incontact with the shell. In some embodiments, no surface of at least onenanoparticle is in contact with the shell. In some embodiments, nosurface of any nanoparticle is in contact with the shell. In someembodiments, the shell is metallic.

In some embodiments, a composite particle comprises a plurality ofnanoparticles and a polycrystalline metal shell substantiallyencapsulating the plurality of nanoparticles, wherein at least onesurface of at least one nanoparticle is not in contact with the shell.In some embodiments, a composite particle comprises a plurality ofnanoparticles and a metal shell substantially encapsulating theplurality of nanoparticles, wherein the metal shell has a thickness ofabout 10 nm to about 200 nm and at least one surface of at least onenanoparticle is not in contact with the shell. In some embodiments, nosurface of at least one nanoparticle is in contact with the shell. Insome embodiments, no surface of any nanoparticle is in contact with theshell. In some embodiments, the shell is metallic.

Composites described herein, in some embodiments, can exhibit varioussizes and morphologies. In some embodiments, the composite particle issubstantially spherical. In some embodiments, the composite particle issubstantially spherical and has a diameter of about 60 nm to about 1000nm. In some embodiments, the composite particle has a diameter of about80 nm to about 160 nm, about 100 nm to about 150 nm, about 50 nm toabout 100 nm, or about 50 nm to about 160 nm.

Composites described herein, in some embodiments, comprise shells havingvarious thicknesses, morphologies, and compositions. In someembodiments, the shell is porous. In some embodiments, the shell haspores that are smaller than at least one nanoparticle. In someembodiments, the shell has pores ranging in size from about 0.5 nm toabout 3 nm. In some embodiments, the shell has pores ranging in sizefrom about 2 nm to about 3 nm. In some embodiments, the shell isnon-porous.

In some embodiments, the shell is polycrystalline. In some embodiments,the shell is polycrystalline and has a grain size of about 3 nm to about8 nm. In some embodiments, the shell is polycrystalline and has a grainsize of about 5 nm to about 8 nm. In some embodiments, the shell ispolycrystalline and has a grain size less than about 5 nm. In someembodiments, the shell is single crystalline.

In some embodiments, the shell has a thickness of about 10 nm to about100 nm. In some embodiments, the shell has a thickness greater thanabout 20 nm. In some embodiments, the shell has a thickness betweenabout 10 nm and about 20 nm. In some embodiments, the shell has athickness of about 10 nm to about 45 nm, about 25 nm to about 45 nm, orabout 45 nm to about 200 nm.

In some embodiments, the shell has a surface roughness of less thanabout 5 nm. In some embodiments, the shell has a surface roughnessbetween about 5 nm and 8 nm. In some embodiments, the shell has asurface roughness between about 3 nm and about 8 nm. In someembodiments, the shell has a surface roughness less than about 3 nm. Insome embodiments, the shell has a surface roughness greater than about 8nm.

In some embodiments, the shell comprises one or more of Fe, Co, Ni, Pd,Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, and Sn. In some embodiments, the shell comprises Au.

Composite particles described herein, in some embodiments, exhibitvarious optical properties. In some embodiments, a composite particledescribed herein exhibits an absorption profile comprising a surfaceplasmon resonance peak. In some embodiments, the composite particleexhibits a surface plasmon resonance peak between about 600 nm and about900 nm. In some embodiments, the composite particle exhibits a surfaceplasmon resonance peak between about 600 nm and about 750 nm. In someembodiments, the composite particle exhibits a surface plasmon resonancepeak between about 650 nm and about 900 nm. In some embodiments, thecomposite particle exhibits a surface plasmon resonance peak betweenabout 700 nm and about 800 nm.

Composite particles described herein, in some embodiments, comprisenanoparticles having various sizes, morphologies, compositions, andproperties. In some embodiments, at least one nanoparticle issubstantially spherical. In some embodiments, at least one nanoparticleis substantially spherical and has a diameter of less than about 50 nm.In some embodiments, at least one nanoparticle has a diameter of lessthan about 20 nm. In some embodiments, at least one nanoparticle has adiameter between about 5 nm and about 20 nm. In some embodiments, atleast one nanoparticle has a diameter between about 30 nm and about 50nm. In some embodiments, at least one nanoparticle comprises a clusterof nanoparticles.

In some embodiments, at least one nanoparticle comprises a magneticnanoparticle. In some embodiments, the magnetic nanoparticle issuperparamagnetic. In some embodiments, the magnetic nanoparticle isferromagnetic. In some embodiments, at least one nanoparticle comprisesiron oxide. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle comprises doped Fe₃O₄.In some embodiments, doped Fe₃O₄ comprises one or more nuclides usefulfor positron emission tomography (PET). In some embodiments, doped Fe₃O₄comprises one or more of ⁶⁴Cu, ⁸⁹Zr, ¹¹C, ¹⁸F, and ⁶⁷Ga. In someembodiments, doped Fe₃O₄ comprises one or more of ⁶⁴Cu and ⁸⁹Zr.

In some embodiments, at least one nanoparticle comprises an organicnanoparticle. In some embodiments, at least one nanoparticle comprisesan inorganic nanoparticle. In some embodiments, at least onenanoparticle comprises a semiconductor nanoparticle. In someembodiments, at least one nanoparticle comprises a metal nanoparticle.In some embodiments, at least one nanoparticle comprises a metal oxidenanoparticle. In some embodiments, at least one nanoparticle comprises aceramic nanoparticle. In some embodiments, at least one nanoparticlecomprises a quantum dot.

Composite particles described herein, in some embodiments, furthercomprise various species associated with an outer surface of thecomposite particle. In some embodiments, one or more species areassociated with an outer surface directly. In some embodiments, one ormore species are associated with an outer surface indirectly. In someembodiments, one or more species are associated with an outer surfaceindirectly through one or more species that are associated with theouter surface directly. In some embodiments, at least one speciesassociated with an outer surface comprises a Raman active species. Insome embodiments, at least one species associated with an outer surfacecomprises a polyethylene glycol moiety. In some embodiments, at leastone species associated with an outer surface comprises a targetingagent. In some embodiments, a first species associated with an outersurface comprises a Raman active species and forms a first layer and asecond species associated with the outer surface comprises apolyethylene glycol moiety and forms a second layer, wherein the secondlayer substantially surrounds the first layer. In some embodiments, afirst species associated with an outer surface comprises a polyethyleneglycol moiety and a second species associated with the outer surfacecomprises a targeting agent.

IV. Methods of Making a Composite Particle

In another aspect, methods of making a composite particle are describedherein, which, in some embodiments, may offer one or more advantagesover prior methods of making a composite particle. In some embodiments,for example, a method of making a composite particle described herein issimple, efficient, scalable, inexpensive, and reproducible. In someembodiments, a method of making a composite particle comprises providinga porous hollow nanoparticle, providing one or more precursors of atleast one second nanoparticle, mixing the one or more precursors withthe hollow nanoparticle, and forming at least one second nanoparticlefrom the one or more precursors within the hollow nanoparticle. In someembodiments, a method of making a composite particle comprises providinga porous hollow nanoparticle, providing one or more precursors of aplurality of second nanoparticles, mixing the one or more precursorswith the hollow nanoparticle, and forming the plurality of secondnanoparticles from the one or more precursors within the hollownanoparticle. In some embodiments, the hollow nanoparticle comprises anyporous hollow nanoparticle described herein. In some embodiments, thehollow nanoparticle comprises a hollow metal nanoparticle. In someembodiments, the hollow nanoparticle comprises a hollow metallicnanoparticle. In some embodiments, the hollow nanoparticle comprises ahollow metal oxide nanoparticle. In some embodiments, the hollownanoparticle comprises a hollow semiconductor nanoparticle.

Methods of making composite particles described herein, in someembodiments, comprise providing and mixing one or more precursors of atleast one second nanoparticle in various forms and ways. In someembodiments, providing one or more precursors of at least one secondnanoparticle comprises providing at least one aqueous solution of theone or more precursors. In some embodiments, mixing one or moreprecursors of at least one second nanoparticle comprises mixing a firstprecursor with the hollow nanoparticle before mixing a second precursorwith the hollow nanoparticle. In some embodiments, mixing the one ormore precursors of at least one second nanoparticle with the hollownanoparticle comprises immersing the hollow nanoparticle in the at leastone aqueous solution. In some embodiments, mixing the one or moreprecursors of at least one second nanoparticle with the hollownanoparticle comprises flowing one or more aqueous solutions of one ormore precursors of the at least one second nanoparticle through amembrane comprising the hollow nanoparticle. In some embodiments,flowing one or more aqueous solutions through a membrane comprisesflowing one or more aqueous solutions through a membrane using vacuumfiltration.

Methods of making composite particles described herein, in someembodiments, further comprise sealing the porous hollow nanoparticle. Insome embodiments, sealing comprises providing a metal-containing speciescapable of undergoing deposition by an oxidation-reduction reaction onthe surface of the porous hollow nanoparticle. In some embodiments,sealing comprises providing a metal-containing species capable ofundergoing electroless deposition on the surface of the porous hollownanoparticle.

Methods of making composite particles described herein, in someembodiments, further comprise associating one or more species to anouter surface of the composite particle. In some embodiments, one ormore species are associated with an outer surface directly. In someembodiments, one or more species are associated with an outer surfaceindirectly. In some embodiments, one or more species are associated withan outer surface indirectly through one or more species that areassociated with the outer surface directly. In some embodiments, one ormore species associated with an outer surface comprises a polyethyleneglycol moiety. In some embodiments, one or more species associated withan outer surface comprises a targeting agent. In some embodiments, oneor more species associated with an outer surface comprises a Ramanactive species.

In some embodiments, a method of making a composite particle comprisesproviding a porous hollow nanoparticle, providing one or moretherapeutic agents, and mixing the one or more therapeutic agents withthe hollow nanoparticle to dispose at least one of the therapeuticagents within the hollow nanoparticle. In some embodiments, the hollownanoparticle comprises any porous hollow nanoparticle described herein.In some embodiments, the hollow nanoparticle comprises a hollow metalnanoparticle. In some embodiments, the hollow nanoparticle comprises ahollow metallic nanoparticle. In some embodiments, the hollownanoparticle comprises a hollow metal oxide nanoparticle. In someembodiments, the hollow nanoparticle comprises a hollow semiconductornanoparticle.

Methods of making a composite particle described herein, in someembodiments, comprise providing and mixing one or more therapeuticagents in various forms and ways. In some embodiments, providing one ormore therapeutic agents comprises providing at least one aqueoussolution of the one or more therapeutic agents. In some embodiments,mixing the one or more therapeutic agents with the hollow nanoparticlecomprises immersing the hollow nanoparticle in at least one aqueoussolution. In some embodiments, mixing the one or more therapeutic agentswith the hollow nanoparticle comprises flowing one or more aqueoussolutions of one or more therapeutic agents through a membranecomprising the hollow nanoparticle. In some embodiments, flowing one ormore aqueous solutions through a membrane comprises flowing one or moreaqueous solutions through a membrane using vacuum filtration. In someembodiments, mixing the one or more therapeutic agents with the hollownanoparticle comprises mixing at a temperature higher than about 25° C.In some embodiments, mixing the one or more therapeutic agents with thehollow nanoparticle comprises mixing at a temperature higher than about37° C. In some embodiments, mixing the one or more therapeutic agentswith the hollow nanoparticle comprises mixing at a temperature higherthan about 40° C., higher than about 50° C., higher than about 60° C.,higher than about 70° C., higher than about 80° C., or higher than about90° C.

In some embodiments, a method of making a composite particle comprisesproviding a porous hollow nanoparticle, providing one or moretherapeutic agents, mixing the one or more therapeutic agents with thehollow nanoparticle to dispose at least one of the therapeutic agentswithin the hollow nanoparticle, and sealing the porous hollownanoparticle. In some embodiments, sealing comprises providing ametal-containing species capable of undergoing deposition through anoxidation-reduction reaction on the surface of the porous hollownanoparticle. In some embodiments, sealing comprises providing ametal-containing species capable of undergoing electroless deposition onthe surface of the porous hollow nanoparticle.

In some embodiments, a method of making a composite particle comprisesproviding a porous hollow nanoparticle, providing one or moretherapeutic agents, mixing the one or more therapeutic agents with thehollow nanoparticle to dispose at least one of the therapeutic agentswithin the hollow nanoparticle, and associating one or more species withan outer surface of the composite particle. In some embodiments, atleast one species associated with an outer surface comprises apolyethylene glycol moiety. In some embodiments, at least one speciesassociated with an outer surface comprises a targeting agent. In someembodiments, at least one species associated with an outer surfacecomprises a Raman active species.

In some embodiments, a method of making a composite particle comprisesproviding a hollow nanoparticle, providing one or more Raman activespecies, and mixing the one or more active Raman species with the hollownanoparticle to associate at least one of the Raman active species withan outer surface of the hollow nanoparticle. In some embodiments, thehollow nanoparticle comprises any hollow nanoparticle described herein.In some embodiments, the hollow nanoparticle comprises a hollow metalnanoparticle. In some embodiments, the hollow nanoparticle comprises ahollow metallic nanoparticle. In some embodiments, the hollownanoparticle comprises a hollow metal oxide nanoparticle. In someembodiments, the hollow nanoparticle comprises a hollow semiconductornanoparticle.

Methods of making a composite particle described herein, in someembodiments, comprise providing and mixing one or more Raman activespecies in various forms and ways. In some embodiments, providing one ormore Raman active species comprises providing at least one aqueoussolution of the one or more Raman active species. In some embodiments,at least one aqueous solution comprises at least one Raman activespecies in a concentration greater than or equal to about 1 μM. In someembodiments, at least one aqueous solution comprises at least one Ramanactive species in a concentration greater than or equal to about 10 μM,greater than or equal to about 100 μM, or greater than or equal to about1000 μM. In some embodiments, at least one aqueous solution comprises atleast one Raman active species in a concentration between about 1 μM andabout 1 mM. In some embodiments, at least one aqueous solution comprisesat least one Raman active species in a concentration between about 30 μMand about 50 μM. In some embodiments, mixing the one or more Ramanactive species with the hollow nanoparticle comprises immersing thehollow nanoparticle in at least one aqueous solution comprising at leastone Raman active species. In some embodiments, mixing the one or moreRaman active species with the hollow nanoparticle comprises immersing amembrane comprising the hollow nanoparticle in at least one aqueoussolution comprising at least one Raman active species. In someembodiments, mixing the one or more Raman active species with the hollownanoparticle comprises flowing at least one solution comprising at leastone Raman active species through a membrane comprising the hollownanoparticle. In some embodiments, flowing one or more aqueous solutionsthrough a membrane comprises flowing one or more aqueous solutionsthrough a membrane using vacuum filtration.

In some embodiments, a method of making a composite particle comprisesproviding a hollow nanoparticle, providing one or more Raman activespecies, mixing the one or more active Raman species with the hollownanoparticle to associate at least one of the Raman active species to anouter surface of the hollow nanoparticle, providing one or more speciescomprising a polyethylene glycol moiety, and mixing the one or morespecies comprising a polyethylene glycol moiety to associate at leastone species comprising a polyethylene glycol moiety to an outer surfaceof the hollow nanoparticle. In some embodiments, association with anouter surface of the hollow nanoparticle is direct association. In someembodiments, association with an outer surface of the hollownanoparticle is indirect association. In some embodiments, the Ramanactive species forms a first layer and the species comprising apolyethylene glycol moiety forms a second layer, wherein the secondlayer substantially surrounds the first layer. In some embodiments, themethod is a one-pot method. In some embodiments, the method is aone-step method.

In some embodiments, composite particles made in accordance with one ormore methods described herein can have any of the properties recitedherein for composite particles or hollow nanoparticles. For example, insome embodiments, a method of making a composite particle describedherein comprises making a composite particle having a cavity having asize or shape as described herein. In some embodiments, a method ofmaking a composite particle described herein comprises making acomposite particle having a shell having a thickness or composition asdescribed herein. In some embodiments, a method of making a compositeparticle described herein comprises making a composite particle havingone or more species associated with an outer surface as describedherein.

V. Methods of Imaging and Treating Biological Environments

In another aspect, methods of imaging and treating biologicalenvironments are disclosed herein. A method of imaging a biologicalenvironment described herein, in some embodiments, comprises providing ahollow nanoparticle described herein and irradiating the hollownanoparticle with electromagnetic radiation. A method of treating abiological environment described herein, in some embodiments, comprisesproviding a hollow nanoparticle described herein and irradiating thehollow nanoparticle with electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments,both imaging and treating a biological environment can be carried out atsubstantially the same time. In some embodiments, at least a portion ofthe electromagnetic radiation is inelastically scattered by the hollownanoparticle. In some embodiments, at least a portion of theelectromagnetic radiation interacts with a surface plasmon of the hollownanoparticle. In some embodiments, irradiating induces photothermalheating. In some embodiments, irradiating induces rupturing of thehollow nanoparticle. In some embodiments, imaging a biologicalenvironment comprises imaging with surface plasmon resonance (SPR)imaging. In some embodiments, imaging a biological environment comprisesimaging with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). In someembodiments, imaging a biological environment comprises imaging withmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In some embodiments, imaging abiological environment comprises imaging with positron emissiontomography (PET). In some embodiments, imaging a biological environmentcomprises imaging with a combination of two or more of SPR imaging,SERS, MRI, and PET. In some embodiments, treating a biologicalenvironment comprises treating cancer.

VI. Methods of Delivering a Payload

In another aspect, methods of delivering a payload are described herein,which, in some embodiments, may offer one or more advantages over priormethods of delivering a payload. In some embodiments, for example, amethod of delivering a payload described herein is safe and efficient.In some embodiments, a method of delivering a payload comprisesproviding a hollow nanoparticle comprising a shell, a cavitysubstantially defined by the shell, and a payload within the cavity; andreleasing the payload. In some embodiments, the hollow nanoparticlecomprises any hollow nanoparticle described herein. In some embodiments,the hollow nanoparticle comprises a hollow metal nanoparticle. In someembodiments, the hollow nanoparticle comprises a hollow metallicnanoparticle. In some embodiments, the hollow nanoparticle comprises ahollow metal oxide nanoparticle. In some embodiments, the hollownanoparticle comprises a hollow semiconductor nanoparticle.

Methods of delivering a payload described herein, in some embodiments,comprise releasing the payload in various ways. In some embodiments,releasing comprises rupturing the shell. In some embodiments, rupturingthe shell comprises directing radiation onto the nanoparticle. In someembodiments, directing radiation comprises directing visible radiation.In some embodiments, directing radiation comprises directing nearinfrared (NIR) radiation. In some embodiments, releasing the payloadcomprises allowing the payload to diffuse out of the nanoparticle. Insome embodiments, the payload comprises a gas. In some embodiments, thegas comprises H₂. In some embodiments, the payload comprises atherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the payload comprises a gene.

In some embodiments of methods of delivering a payload described herein,the payload is provided within the cavity by immersing the hollownanoparticle in a solution comprising the payload. In some embodiments,the payload is provided within the cavity by immersing a membranecomprising the hollow nanoparticle in a solution comprising the payload.In some embodiments, the payload is provided within the cavity byflowing one or more solutions comprising the payload through a membranecomprising the hollow nanoparticle. In some embodiments, the payload isprovided by mixing the hollow nanoparticle with the payload under highpressure, wherein the hollow nanoparticle has a porous shell. In someembodiments, the payload is provided within the cavity at an elevatedtemperature. In some embodiments, the payload is provided within thecavity at a temperature higher than about 25° C., higher than about 37°C., higher than about 40° C., higher than about 50° C., higher thanabout 60° C., higher than about 70° C., higher than about 80° C., orhigher than about 90° C.

Methods of delivering a payload described herein, in some embodiments,comprise providing any hollow nanoparticle or composite particledescribed herein.

VII. Methods of Selectively Depositing Hollow Nanoparticles on a Surface

In another aspect, methods of selectively depositing hollownanoparticles on a surface are described herein, which, in someembodiments, may offer one or more advantages over prior methods. Insome embodiments, for example, a method of selectively depositing hollownanoparticles on a surface described herein is simple and efficient. Insome embodiments, a method of selectively depositing hollownanoparticles on a surface comprises providing a substrate having aplurality of domains with differing hydrophobicity, forming a pluralityof gas bubbles, and forming a shell on the surface of at least one ofthe plurality of gas bubbles to form a hollow nanoparticle. In someembodiments, the hollow nanoparticles are selectively deposited on oneor more domains having a first hydrophobicity. In some embodiments, thesubstrate comprises a patterned substrate.

Methods of selectively depositing hollow nanoparticles on a surfacedescribed herein, in some embodiments, comprise depositing any hollownanoparticles described herein.

Some embodiments described herein comprise nanoparticles having cavitiesof various sizes. In some embodiments, cavity size can be varied byaltering one or more of a number of synthetic parameters, includingelectrolyte composition and pH, applied potential, applied potentialtime profile, and nucleation substrate composition. Not intending to bebound by theory, it is believed that cavity size is affected by the sizeof corresponding gas bubbles. In some embodiments, the size of gasbubbles described herein can be varied by altering one or more syntheticparameters, including electrolyte composition, stability, and pH;applied potential; applied potential time profile; working electrodecomposition; and the hydrophobicity and surface morphology of thenucleation substrate. Again not intending to be bound by theory, it isbelieved that the size and size distribution of gas bubbles describedherein is affected by the efficiency and extent of electrochemical gasgeneration. In some embodiments, altering one or more of the foregoingsynthetic parameters alters the efficiency of electrochemical gasgeneration. In some embodiments, altering one or more of the foregoingsynthetic parameters alters the exchange current density.

Some embodiments described herein comprise hollow nanoparticles andcomposite particles having various sizes. In some embodiments, hollownanoparticle or composite particle size can be varied by altering one ormore of a number of synthetic parameters, including electrolytecomposition and pH, applied potential, applied potential time profile,nucleation substrate composition, and reaction time. Not intending to bebound by theory, it is believed that hollow nanoparticle or compositeparticle size is affected by the size of corresponding gas bubbles.Therefore, in some embodiments, hollow nanoparticle or compositeparticle size can be controlled by altering synthetic parametersaffecting the nucleation of gas bubbles on a substrate. In someembodiments, hollow nanoparticle or composite particle size is affectedby shell thickness. Therefore, in some embodiments, hollow nanoparticleor composite particle size can be controlled by altering the shellthickness.

Some embodiments described herein comprise shells having variousthicknesses. In some embodiments, shell thickness can be varied byaltering a number of synthetic parameters, including electrolytecomposition and pH, applied potential, applied potential time profile,and reaction time.

Some embodiments described herein comprise hollow nanoparticles orcomposite particles exhibiting various surface plasmon resonance peaks.In some embodiments, SPR peak wavelength can be varied by altering oneor more of a number of parameters, including hollow nanoparticle orcomposite particle composition, surface roughness, and shell thickness.

Some embodiments described herein comprise shells, hollow nanoparticles,or composite particles having various surface roughnesses. In someembodiments, surface roughness can be varied by altering one or more ofelectrolyte composition and pH, reaction time, applied potential, andapplied potential time profile.

Some embodiments described herein comprise shells having variouscompositions. In some embodiments, shell composition can be varied byaltering the electrolyte composition. In some embodiments, theelectrolyte composition can be altered by changing the identity of oneor more metal-containing species. Not intending to be bound by theory,in some embodiments, shells having various compositions can be providedby using electrolytes comprising one or more metal-containing species,wherein at least one metal-containing species can be reduced or oxidizedby at least one electrochemically generated gas. Again not intending tobe bound by theory, in some embodiments, shells having variouscompositions can be provided by using electrolytes comprising one ormore metal-containing species, wherein at least one metal-containingspecies is operable to undergo deposition through an oxidation-reductionreaction. In some embodiments, at least one metal-containing species isoperable to undergo electroless deposition. In some embodiments, aplurality of metal-containing species have substantially similarreduction potentials. In some embodiments, shells having variouscompositions can be provided by using electrolytes comprising one ormore metal-containing species, wherein at least one metal-containingspecies is operable to undergo deposition through an oxidation-reductionreaction on the surface of a gas bubble. In some embodiments, shellshaving various compositions can be provided by using electrolytescomprising one or more metal-containing species, wherein at least onemetal-containing species is operable to undergo electroless depositionon the surface of a gas bubble. In some embodiments, shells havingvarious compositions can be provided by using electrolytes comprisingone or more metal-containing species, wherein at least onemetal-containing species is operable to undergo deposition throughoxidation-reduction on the surface of a metal shell. In someembodiments, shells having various compositions can be provided by usingelectrolytes comprising one or more metal-containing species, wherein atleast one metal-containing species is operable to undergo electrolessdeposition on the surface of a metal shell.

Some embodiments described herein comprise pores of various sizes. Insome embodiments, pore size can be controlled by altering one or more ofreaction time, electrolyte composition and pH, applied potential, andapplied potential time profile. In some embodiments, altering theelectrolyte composition comprises altering the concentration of ametal-containing species in the electrolyte. In some embodiments,altering the electrolyte composition comprises altering theconcentration of a reducing agent in the electrolyte.

Some embodiments described herein comprise forming at least one secondnanoparticle within a porous shell, wherein the at least one secondnanoparticle has various sizes. In some embodiments, the size of the atleast one second nanoparticle can be controlled by altering one or moreof the reaction time, the concentration of one or more precursors of theat least one second nanoparticle, the pore size, and the cavity size.

Some embodiments described herein comprise a therapeutic agent. Anysuitable therapeutic agent not incompatible with the objectives of thepresent invention may be used. In some embodiments, the therapeuticagent comprises a gas. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agentcomprises a liquid. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent comprisesa solution. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent comprises a drug.In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent comprises a water-solubledrug. Non-limiting examples of therapeutic agents useful in someembodiments include mitoxantrone and gemcitabine. Suitable therapeuticagents may be purchased from commercial sources or prepared according tomethods known in the art.

Some embodiments described herein comprise a targeting agent. Anysuitable targeting agent not incompatible with the objectives of thepresent invention may be used. In some embodiments, the targeting agentcomprises a species operable to selectively interact with an analyte orbiomarker. In some embodiments, the targeting agent comprises a speciesoperable to selectively interact with an antigen. In some embodiments,the targeting agent comprises one or more of proteins (includingnaturally occurring proteins or engineered proteins), antibodies,antibody fragments, peptides, and small molecules. In some embodiments,the targeting agent comprises a protein. In some embodiments, thetargeting agent comprises an antibody. In some embodiments, thetargeting agent comprises a peptide. In some embodiments, the targetingagent comprises a small molecule. The targeting agent can also be aminibody, diabody, triabody, tetrabody, aptamer, affibody, or peptoid.Specific non-limiting examples of targeting agents useful in someembodiments include streptavidin, biotin, anti-PSMA, NH₂GR₁₁, andc(RGDyK). Suitable species may be purchased from commercial sources orprepared according to methods known in the art.

Some embodiments described herein comprise a Raman active species. Anysuitable Raman active species not incompatible with the objectives ofthe present invention may be used. In some embodiments, the Raman activespecies comprises a positive charge. In some embodiments, the Ramanactive species comprises a delocalized π system. In some embodiments,the Raman active species comprises a thiol moiety. In some embodiments,the Raman active species comprises a thiol moiety operative to form asulfur-metal bond with a surface. Non-limiting examples of Raman activespecies useful in some embodiments include cresyl violet, nile blue,rhodamine 6G, tetrafluoroborate, diethylthiatricarbocyanine (DTTC), DTTCiodide, crystal violet, IR140 (meso-diphenylamine substitutedheptamethine), HITC iodide (1,1′,3,3,3′,3′-hexamethylindotrycarbocyanineiodide), and DOTC iodide(3-ethyl-2-[7-(3-ethyl-2(3H)-benzoxazolylidene)-1,3,5-heptatrienyl]-benzoxazoliumiodide). Suitable species may be purchased from commercial sources orprepared according to methods known in the art. In some embodimentscomprising a Raman active species, the dynamic range of hollownanoparticle detection is up to about 30 dB. In some embodiments, thedynamic range of hollow nanoparticle detection is about 10 pM to about10 nM.

Some embodiments described herein comprise a species comprising apolyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety. Any suitable species comprising apolyethylene glycol moiety not incompatible with the objectives of thepresent invention may be used. In some embodiments, a species comprisesa monofunctional methyl ether PEG (mPEG) moiety. In some embodiments, aspecies comprises a thiolated polyethylene glycol moiety. In someembodiments, a species comprises a polyethylene glycol moiety and acarboxylic acid moiety. In some embodiments, a species comprises athiolated polyethylene glycol moiety and a carboxylic acid moiety. Insome embodiments, a species comprises an oligomeric or polymeric speciescomprising a polyethylene glycol moiety and having two ends, wherein oneend comprises a thiol moiety and the other end comprises a carboxylicacid moiety. In some embodiments, a species has the formulaHS—(OCH₂CH₂)_(n)—COOH. Suitable species may be purchased from commercialsources or prepared according to methods known in the art.

Some embodiments described herein comprise associating one or morespecies with an outer surface. Any suitable method of associating notincompatible with the objectives of the present invention may be used.In some embodiments, associating comprises forming one or more covalentbonds between an outer surface and one or more species associated withthe outer surface. In some embodiments, associating comprises formingone or more metal-sulfur bonds. In some embodiments, associatingcomprises forming one or more Au—S bonds. In some embodiments,associating comprises forming one or more non-covalent bonds between anouter surface and one or more species associated with the outer surface.In some embodiments, forming one or more non-covalent bonds comprisesforming one or more hydrogen bonds. In some embodiments, associatingcomprises forming one or more ionic bonds. In some embodiments,associating comprises forming one or more electrostatic interactionsbetween an outer surface and one or more species associated with theouter surface. In some embodiments, associating comprises forming one ormore hydrophobic interactions between an outer surface and one or morespecies associated with the outer surface. In some embodiments,associating comprises forming one or more van der Waals interactions.

In some embodiments, associating comprises forming one or more directassociations (such as covalent bonds, non-covalent bonds, hydrogenbonds, ionic bonds, electrostatic interactions, or van der Waalsinteractions) between an outer surface and one or more first speciesdirectly associated with the outer surface and further forming one ormore associations between at least one first species and at least onesecond species not directly associated with the outer surface. In someembodiments, the first species and the second species are associated byone or more covalent bonds, non-covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds, ionicbonds, electrostatic interactions, or van der Waals interactions. Insome embodiments, the first species and the second species areassociated through covalent coupling chemistry. In some embodiments, thefirst species and the second species are associated through carbodiimidechemistry. In some embodiments, the first species and the second speciesare associated through click chemistry. In some embodiments, the firstspecies forms a first layer substantially surrounding the outer surfaceand the second species forms a second layer substantially surroundingthe first layer.

Some embodiments described herein comprise electrochemically generatedgas bubbles. In some embodiments, an electrochemically generated gasbubble comprises a gas bubble comprising one or more species formed atthe surface of an electrode. In some embodiments, an electrochemicallygenerated gas bubble comprises a gas bubble comprising one or morespecies formed from an oxidation or reduction reaction occurring at thesurface of an electrode.

Some embodiments described herein comprise an electrolyte. Any suitableelectrolyte not incompatible with the objectives of the presentinvention may be used. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises anelectrolyte operable for the electrodeposition of one or more metals. Insome embodiments, the electrolyte comprises an electrolyte operable forthe deposition of one or more metals through one or moreoxidation-reduction reactions. In some embodiments, the electrolytecomprises an electrolyte operable for the electroless deposition of oneor more metals. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises acommercial electrolyte. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises amodified commercial electrolyte.

Some embodiments described herein comprise an electrolyte comprising apromoter. In some embodiments, a promoter is operable to promote theefficient generation of gas bubbles. In some embodiments, a promoter isoperable to promote efficient electrochemical generation of a gas. Insome embodiments, a promoter is operable to promote efficientelectrochemical generation of hydrogen. In some embodiments, a promoteris operable to promote nucleation of substantially spherical gasbubbles. In some embodiments, a promoter is operable to alter thehydrophobicity of a nucleation substrate. In some embodiments, apromoter is operable to decrease the hydrophobicity of a nucleationsubstrate. In some embodiments, a promoter is operable to increase thehydrophobicity of a nucleation substrate. In some embodiments, apromoter is operable to increase the hydrophobicity of a substratecomprising alumina. In some embodiments, a promoter is operable tostabilize a metal-containing species. In some embodiments, a promoter isoperable to suppress disproportionation of a metal-containing species.In some embodiments, a promoter is operable to remove contaminants froman electrode surface. In some embodiments, a promoter is operable toremove oxide from an electrode surface. In some embodiments, a promoteris operable to undergo electrodeposition onto an electrode surface. Insome embodiments, a promoter is operable to increase the exchangecurrent density of the electrode. In some embodiments, a promoter isoperable to increase the hydrogen exchange current density of theelectrode. In some embodiments, a promoter is operable to increase thecurrent density of gas evolution by about 50% to about 400%. In someembodiments, a promoter is operable to increase the current density ofgas evolution by about 100% to about 300%. In some embodiments, apromoter comprises at least one lone pair of electrons capable ofbinding to a metal. In some embodiments, a promoter comprises at leastone lone pair of electrons capable of binding to oxygen. In someembodiments, a promoter comprises a polydentate species. In someembodiments, a promoter comprises a bidentate species. In someembodiments, a promoter comprises a source of one or more solution phaseions that is the same as one or more ions contained in ametal-containing species.

Some embodiments described herein comprise a nucleation substrate. Anysuitable nucleation substrate not incompatible with the objectives ofthe present invention may be used. In some embodiments, a nucleationsubstrate comprises a surface operable to support the nucleation of oneor more gas bubbles. In some embodiments, a nucleation substratecomprises a surface operable to support the nucleation and growth of oneor more nanoparticles. In some embodiments, a nucleation substratecomprises a plurality of channels. In some embodiments, a nucleationsubstrate comprises at least one crack, hole, ridge, or defect. In someembodiments, a nucleation substrate comprises a rough surface. In someembodiments, a nucleation substrate comprises a plurality of domains. Insome embodiments, the domains are separated by boundaries or junctions.In some embodiments, one or more domains exhibit different properties.In some embodiments, one or more domains exhibit differinghydrophobicity. In some embodiments, one or more domains exhibitdifferent surface treatment. In some embodiments, a nucleation substratecomprises Ag. In some embodiments, a nucleation substrate comprises Si.In some embodiments, a nucleation substrate comprises SiO₂. In someembodiments, a nucleation substrate comprises TiO₂. In some embodiments,a nucleation substrate comprises Al₂O₃. In some embodiments, anucleation substrate comprises Cu. In some embodiments, a nucleationsubstrate comprises C. In some embodiments, a nucleation substratecomprises a patterned substrate. In some embodiments, a nucleationsubstrate comprises a patterned glass substrate. In some embodiments, anucleation substrate comprises a SiO₂ substrate comprising at least oneAg stripe. In some embodiments, a nucleation substrate operates as aworking electrode. In some embodiments, a nucleation substrate comprisesa membrane. In some embodiments, the membrane comprises anodic aluminumoxide.

VIII. Radioactive Nanoparticles

In another aspect, radioactive nanoparticles are described herein. Insome embodiments, a radioactive nanoparticle described herein comprisesa metal nanoparticle core and an outer metal shell disposed over themetal nanoparticle core. Further, at least one metallic radioisotope isdisposed within the metal nanoparticle core and/or or within the outermetal shell. In addition, in some cases, a radioactive nanoparticledescribed herein further comprises an inner metal shell disposed betweenthe metal nanoparticle core and the outer metal shell.

Turning now to specific components of radioactive nanoparticles, aradioactive nanoparticle described herein comprises a metal nanoparticlecore. Any metal nanoparticle core not inconsistent with the objectivesof the present disclosure may be used. In some cases, for instance, themetal nanoparticle core comprises a hollow metal nanoparticle describedhereinabove in Section I or a composite particle described hereinabovein Section III. In other embodiments, the metal nanoparticle corecomprises a solid metal nanoparticle, such as a solid nanoparticlecomprising or formed from a transition metal or “d block” metal such asFe, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, or Au, or from a mixture or alloy oftwo or more of the foregoing metallic elements. In some instances, ametal nanoparticle core comprises or is formed from a lanthanide metalsuch as Sm. Further, in some cases, the metal nanoparticle core of aradioactive nanoparticle described herein can be formed from one or moremetals in an elemental state or “zero” oxidation state, as opposed tobeing formed from a species in which the metal is in an oxidized state,such as may occur in a metal oxide.

The metal nanoparticle core of a radioactive nanoparticle describedherein can also have any size, shape, and structure not inconsistentwith the objectives of the present disclosure. For example, in someinstances, the metal nanoparticle core of a radioactive nanoparticledescribed herein is spherical or substantially spherical. In otherembodiments, the metal nanoparticle core is oblate. A metal nanoparticlecore may also have a polyhedral or faceted shape or an irregular shape.Moreover, in some embodiments, a metal nanoparticle core can itself havea core-shell structure or other complex architecture. For instance, insome implementations, the metal nanoparticle core of a radioactivenanoparticle described herein is a nanorod having a core-shellstructure. Further, such a core-shell structure can be an alternatingcore-shell structure, such as exhibited by a nanorod consisting of a Aunanorod core (e.g., having a diameter of 10-30 nm) surrounded by a firstCo shell (e.g., having a thickness of 5-10 nm), a second Au shell (e.g.,having a thickness of 10-20 nm), a third Co shell (e.g., having athickness of 5-10 nm), and a fourth Au shell (e.g., having a thicknessof 10-20 nm). Other complex metal nanoparticle cores may also be used.Additionally, in some cases, the metal nanoparticle core of aradioactive nanoparticle described herein has a total size of about30-500 nm in two dimensions or three dimensions. In some embodiments,the metal nanoparticle core has a size of about 30-400 nm, 30-300 nm,50-500 nm, 50-400 nm, 50-300 nm, 50-250 nm, 50-200, nm, 50-150 nm,80-500 nm, 80-300 nm, 80-200 nm, 100-500 nm, 100-400 nm, 100-300 nm,100-200 nm, 120-450 nm, 120-300 nm, 120-200 nm, or 120-180 nm in each oftwo or three dimensions.

Radioactive nanoparticles described herein also comprise an outer metalshell. The outer metal shell can comprise or be formed from any metal orcombination of metals not inconsistent with the objectives of thepresent disclosure. In some instances, the outer metal shell comprisesor is formed from a transition metal, including one or more of Fe, Co,Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, and Au. In some embodiments, the outer metalshell comprises or is formed from a lanthanide metal, such as Sm.Additionally, in some cases, the outer metal shell is formed from amixture or alloy of two or more of the foregoing metals. Further, themetal or combination of metals forming the outer metal shell can be inan elemental state. Moreover, as described further hereinbelow, theouter metal shell of a radioactive nanoparticle described herein cancomprise or be formed from the same metal (or combination of metals) orfrom a different metal (or combination of metals) than the metalnanoparticle core. Thus, in some embodiments, the metal nanoparticlecore and the outer metal shell are formed from the same metal orcombination of metals, while in other instances the metal nanoparticlecore and the outer metal shell are formed from differing metals orcombinations of metals. Further, in some cases, the metal nanoparticlecore is formed from a metal having a higher reduction potential than ametal of the outer metal shell. For example, in some embodiments, themetal nanoparticle core is formed from Au and the outer metal shell isformed from Pd. Alternatively, it is also possible for the metal of themetal nanoparticle core to have a lower reduction potential than themetal of the outer metal shell.

Moreover, the outer metal shell of a radioactive nanoparticle describedherein can have any thickness not inconsistent with the objectives ofthe present disclosure. In some instances, for example, the outer metalshell has an average thickness of about 1-50 nm, 1-20 nm, 1-10 nm, 1-5nm, 5-50 nm, 5-20 nm, 5-20 nm, 5-10 nm, or 10-50 nm. Other thicknessesare also possible. In addition, the outer metal shell of a radioactivenanoparticle described herein can be a complete metal shell or asubstantially complete metal shell, where a “substantially” completemetal shell covers at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at leastabout 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98% of the exteriorsurface of the underlying metal nanoparticle core. Alternatively, inother instances, the outer metal shell is not a complete orsubstantially complete metal shell. Further, the outer metal shell of aradioactive nanoparticle described herein can be porous or non-porous.

A radioactive nanoparticle described herein, in some embodiments, alsocomprises an inner metal shell disposed between the metal nanoparticlecore and the outer metal shell. The inner metal shell can be formed fromany metal or combination of metals not inconsistent with the objectivesof the present disclosure. For example, in some instances, the innermetal shell comprises or is formed from a transition metal, includingone or more of Fe, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, and Au. In someembodiments, the inner metal shell comprises or is formed from alanthanide metal, such as Sm. Further, the metal or combination ofmetals forming the inner metal shell can be in an elemental state.

Moreover, in some cases, the inner metal shell comprises or is formedfrom a metal or combination of metals that is capable of forming ametallic shell on the surface of the metal nanoparticle core byelectroless metal deposition or plating, as described furtherhereinbelow in Section IX. In addition, in some such cases, the innermetal shell also comprises or is formed from a metal having a lowerreduction potential than a metal of the outer metal shell of theradioactive nanoparticle. As described further hereinbelow in SectionIX, an inner metal shell formed from such a metal or combination ofmetals can be at least partially replaced by the outer metal shellduring formation of the radioactive nanoparticle. For example, in someinstances, the inner metal shell undergoes a galvanic replacementreaction with an ionized metal of the outer metal shell. In onenon-limiting example of a radioactive nanoparticle described herein, themetal nanoparticle core is formed from Au, the inner metal shell isformed from Cu, and the outer metal shell is formed from Pd, Rh, Au, ora combination thereof. Other combinations of metals are also possible.

Further, the inner metal shell of a radioactive nanoparticle describedherein, when present, can have any thickness not inconsistent with theobjectives of the present disclosure. In some instances, the inner metalshell has an average thickness of less than about 10 nm, less than about5 nm, less than about 3 nm, or less than about 1 nm. Other thicknessesare also possible.

A radioactive nanoparticle described herein also comprises a metallicradioisotope. Any metallic radioisotope not inconsistent with theobjectives of the present disclosure may be used. Moreover, asunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art, a metallic radioisotopecan be an isotope of a metal that is radioactive or has an unstablenucleus, such as an isotope that has a half-life of less than 10²²years. In addition, the metallic radioisotope of a radioactivenanoparticle described herein can comprise or be formed from anymetallic element not inconsistent with the objectives of the presentdisclosure. In some cases, for instance, the metallic radioisotopecomprises a radioactive isotope of a transition metal such as yttrium(Y), rhenium (Re), Fe, Co, rhodium (Rh), iridium (Ir), Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu,Ag, and Au. The metallic radioisotope may also comprise a radioactiveisotope of a lanthanide metal or an actinide metal. Non-limitingexamples of metallic radioisotopes that may be used in some embodimentsdescribed herein include Cu-64, Cu-67, Y-90, Pd-103, Rh-105, Re-186,Re-188, Ir-192, and Au-198. Other radioisotopes may also be used. Insome embodiments, the metallic radioisotope of a radioactivenanoparticle described herein can be selected to provide a desired typeof radioactive decay. For example, in some cases, the metallicradioisotope is a β-emitter. Additionally, in some implementations, themetallic radioisotope can be selected based on its half-life. Forinstance, in some cases, the metallic radioisotope is selected to have arelatively short half-life, such as a half-life of 72 hours or less.Alternatively, in other embodiments, the metallic radioisotope isselected to have a relatively long half-life, such as a half-life of 10days or more. Further, in some instances, a radioactive nanoparticledescribed herein includes a plurality of differing metallicradioisotopes. In some such cases, the differing metallic radioisotopescan be combined to provide both a relatively rapid decay profile and arelatively slow decay profile. For example, in some instances, a firstmetallic radioisotope can comprise Y-90 (having a half-life of 64 h),and a second metallic radioisotope can comprise Pd-103 (having ahalf-life of 17 days). More generally, the second metallic radioisotopeof such a radioactive nanoparticle can have a half-life that is at leastabout 5 times, at least about 10 times, or at least about 20 timeslonger than the half-life of the first metallic radioisotope. Aradioactive nanoparticle comprising a combination of differing metallicradioisotopes such as described above, in some instances, can beespecially useful for providing both low dose rate (LDR) and high doserate (HDR) treatment to a biological compartment, as described furtherhereinbelow. Moreover, in some cases, such a radioactive nanoparticlecan also provide synergistic effects.

It is further to be understood that, in some instances, a secondmetallic radioisotope or other additional radioisotope can be includedin a radioactive nanoparticle described herein not as part of the outershell of the radioactive nanoparticle, but instead as part of aradiolabeled organic ligand or chelate complex. Such a ligand or chelatecomplex can include a first moiety for attachment to or association withan exterior surface of the radioactive nanoparticle (including in amanner described hereinabove in Section VII for association with anouter surface), and a second moiety for chelating or binding a metallicradioisotope. For example, in some embodiments, a ligand or chelatecomplex can comprise a thiolated1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA). In suchan instance, the thiol moiety or moieties of the thiolated DOTA can bondor attach to a surface of the radioactive nanoparticle (such as anexterior surface of the outer shell), and the tetraacetic acid moietycan chelate a metallic radioisotope (such as Y-90). Other such ligandsor complexes may also be used to provide an additional radioisotope to aradioactive nanoparticle described herein.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the chemical identity of a metallicradioisotope of a radioactive nanoparticle described herein is selectedbased on the chemical composition and/or reduction potential of one ormore other components of the radioactive nanoparticle, such as one ormore of the metal nanoparticle core, the inner metal shell, and theouter metal shell. For example, in some cases wherein the metallicradioisotope is disposed within the outer metal shell, the metallicradioisotope comprises a metal that has a higher reduction potentialthan a metal of the inner metal and/or that is the same as a metal ofthe outer metal shell. Alternatively, in other instances, the metallicradioisotope and the outer metal shell are formed from differingmetallic elements.

Further, the metallic radioisotope of a radioactive nanoparticledescribed herein can be in an elemental state, as opposed to being in anionic state. Thus, the metallic radioisotope can be integrated with themetal of the outer metal shell, as opposed to being present only at thesurface of the outer metal shell, or opposed to being present as part ofa radiolabeled or radioactive organometallic compound or molecular metalcomplex. In addition, the metallic radioisotope can be present in theouter metal shell in an amount not inconsistent with the objectives ofthe present disclosure. In some cases, for instance, the radioactivemetallic isotope is present in the outer shell in an amount of 0.001-10ppb, 0.001-1 ppb, 0.01-10 ppb, 0.01-1 ppb, 0.1-10 ppb, or 0.1-1 ppb. Theradioactive isotope may also be present in the outer shell in an amountgreater than 10 ppb. For instance, in some cases, the radioactivemetallic isotope is present in the outer shell in an amount of 100-1000ppb, 1-1000 ppm, 1-100 ppm, 1-10 ppm, 10-1000 ppm, 10-100 ppm, or100-1000 ppm. Other amounts are also possible.

A radioactive nanoparticle described herein can have any overall sizeand shape not inconsistent with the objectives of the presentdisclosure. In some cases, for instance, a radioactive nanoparticledescribed herein is spherical or substantially spherical. In otherinstances, the radioactive nanoparticle is oblate. A radioactivenanoparticle may also have a polyhedral or faceted shape or an irregularshape. Further, in some embodiments, a radioactive nanoparticledescribed herein has a size of about 30-500 nm in three dimensions. Insome instances, the radioactive nanoparticle has a size of 30-400 nm,30-300 nm, 50-500 nm, 50-400 nm, 50-300 nm, 50-250 nm, 50-200, nm,50-150 nm, 80-500 nm, 80-300 nm, 80-200 nm, 100-500 nm, 100-400 nm,100-300 nm, 100-200 nm, 120-450 nm, 120-300 nm, 120-200 nm, or 120-180nm in each of two or three dimensions. Moreover, it is to be understoodthat the size of the radioactive nanoparticle in a specific dimension,in some cases, does not include any size contribution that may beprovided by an organic or inorganic ligand shell, biomolecule, or otherspecies that may be present on or associated with the exterior surfaceof the radioactive nanoparticle. In other instances, the size of aradioactive nanoparticle described herein is a hydrodynamic size,including a hydrodynamic size in aqueous solution, buffer, and/or serum.Moreover, it is to be understood that the “size” of a radioactivenanoparticle in a specific direction is the maximum length or diameterof the radioactive nanoparticle in that direction. Not intending to bebound by theory, it is believed that radioactive nanoparticles having asize described herein, in some cases, can be retained within abiological compartment such as a tumor for therapeutically effectivetime periods.

Additionally, in some embodiments, a radioactive nanoparticle describedherein can be present in a composition, including a composition thatcomprises a plurality or population of dispersed radioactivenanoparticles described herein. Such a composition, for instance, may bea colloid or a solution of the radioactive nanoparticles. In suchembodiments, the plurality or population of radioactive nanoparticlescan exhibit a narrow size distribution. Further, in some cases, the sizedistribution of the plurality of radioactive nanoparticles is the sameor substantially the same as the size distribution of the metalnanoparticle cores used to form the radioactive nanoparticles. Forexample, in some instances, a population of radioactive nanoparticlesdescribed herein exhibits a monomodal size distribution with a standarddeviation not greater than about 20%, not greater than about 15%, notgreater than about 10%, or not greater than about 5%, where the standarddeviation is based on the mean size. Further, it is to be understoodthat a size distribution described herein can be a size distributionmeasured in one, two, or three dimensions.

Moreover, in some embodiments, a radioactive nanoparticle describedherein can have a negative surface charge, including a negative exteriorsurface charge. A radioactive nanoparticle described herein may alsohave a positive surface charge, including a positive exterior surfacecharge. In some cases, for instance, the radioactive nanoparticle has azeta potential of at least ±5 mV, at least AO mV, at least ±20 mV, or atleast ±25 mV. In some instances, a radioactive nanoparticle describedherein has a zeta potential between about ±5 mV and about ±100 mV,between about ±5 mV and about ±50 mV, between about ±10 mV and about±100 mV, between about ±10 mV and about ±50 mV, between about ±10 mV andabout ±30 mV, or between about ±15 mV and about ±35 mV.

Not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that a radioactivenanoparticle having a negative surface charge described herein canexhibit improved stability in solution and/or a long “shelf life,” wherestability in “solution” can include stability in a colloid as well as asolution of the radioactive nanoparticles. For instance, in some cases,a solution or colloid of radioactive nanoparticles described herein canexhibit no flocculation or substantially no flocculation for up to 90days, up to 60 days, or up to 30 days, where “substantially noflocculation” refers to less than 10 weight %, less than 5 weight %, orless than 1 weight % flocculation, based on the total weight of theradioactive nanoparticles present in the solution or colloid. In somecases, a solution or colloid of radioactive nanoparticles describedherein exhibits no flocculation or substantially no flocculation for15-90 days, 15-45 days, 30-90 days, 30-45 days, or 30-60 days. Moreover,it is further to be noted that a solution or colloid of radioactivenanoparticles described herein that does flocculate can generally beredispersed prior to use in a manner described herein.

Radioactive nanoparticles described herein can also have anyradioactivity not inconsistent with the objectives of the presentdisclosure. In some cases, for instance, a single radioactivenanoparticle can have a radioactivity of about 0.4 to 400 Bq or about 4to 40 Bq. In some instances, a solution or colloid of the radioactivenanoparticles has a radioactivity of about 37 to 3700 MBq, 37 to 370MBq, or 37 to 185 MBq. Other radioactivity levels are also possible.

IX. Methods of Making a Radioactive Nanoparticle

In another aspect, methods of making a radioactive nanoparticle aredescribed herein. A method of making a radioactive nanoparticledescribed herein, in some embodiments, comprises providing a metalnanoparticle core and forming an inner metal shell over the metalnanoparticle core, the inner metal shell comprising a first metal orcombination of metals. Moreover, the method further comprises forming anouter metal shell over the metal nanoparticle core, the outer metalshell comprising a second metal or combination of metals including atleast one metallic radioisotope. In some instances, the second metal orcombination of metals further comprises a non-radioactive metallicisotope.

Turning now to specific steps of methods described herein, a method ofmaking a radioactive nanoparticle described herein comprises providing ametal nanoparticle core. The metal nanoparticle core can be provided inany manner not inconsistent with the objectives of the presentdisclosure. In some embodiments, for instance, providing the metalnanoparticle core comprises making a hollow metal nanoparticle in amanner described hereinabove in Section II or making a compositeparticle in a manner described hereinabove in Section IV. In othercases, providing the metal nanoparticle core comprises providing a metalnanoparticle core having a size, shape, and/or chemical compositiondescribed hereinabove in Section VIII. For example, in some instances,providing a metal nanoparticle core comprises providing a solidnanoparticle formed from a transition metal such as Fe, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni,Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, or Au, or from a mixture or alloy of two or more of theforegoing metallic elements. Moreover, in some cases, providing a metalnanoparticle core comprises providing a solution, colloid, or othercomposition comprising a plurality of metal nanoparticle cores.

Methods described herein also comprise forming an inner metal shell overthe metal nanoparticle core. The inner metal shell can be formed overthe metal nanoparticle core in any manner not inconsistent with theobjectives of the present disclosure. In some cases, the inner metalshell is formed through electroless deposition or plating of the firstmetal or combination of metals onto an exterior surface of the metalnanoparticle core. As understood by one of ordinary skill in the art,such electroless deposition or plating of the first metal or combinationof metals can be an auto-catalytic redox reaction between the firstmetal or combination of metals and the exterior surface of the metalnanoparticle core. The first metal or combination of metals can thuscomprise any metal or combination of metals capable of undergoingelectroless deposition on the surface of the metal nanoparticle core.Thus, in some embodiments, forming the inner metal shell comprisesadding a solution of the first metal or combination of metals to themetal nanoparticle core, wherein the first metal or combination ofmetals is in a non-zero or positive oxidation state. In some suchinstances, the first metal or combination of metals is provided as oneor more metal salts, organometallic compounds, or metal complexes.

Additionally, in some cases, the first metal or combination of metalscomprises a metal described hereinabove in Section VIII for the innershell of a radioactive nanoparticle. For instance, in some embodiments,the first metal or combination of metals comprises a transition metal ora lanthanide metal, including one or more of Fe, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt,Cu, Ag, Au, and Sm. Moreover, as described above, the inner metal shellcan comprise or be formed from the same metal (or combination of metals)or a different metal (or combination of metals) than the metalnanoparticle core.

Methods described herein also comprise forming an outer metal shell overthe metal nanoparticle core. The outer metal shell can be formed in anymanner not inconsistent with the objectives of the present disclosure.For example, as with the formation of the inner metal shell, the outermetal shell of a radioactive nanoparticle described herein can be formedby mixing a solution of the second metal or combination of metals withthe metal nanoparticle core after the inner metal shell has been formed.Any solution of the second metal or combination of metals may be used.For instance, in some cases, the solution comprises salts or othercomplexes of the second metal or combination of metals in a positive ornon-zero oxidation state.

Moreover, in some cases, the outer metal shell is formed throughgalvanic replacement of at least a portion of the inner metal shell withthe second metal or combination of metals. In some such cases, formingthe outer metal shell comprises carrying out a series or sequence ofgalvanic replacement reactions. For example, in some instances, a firstgalvanic replacement reaction is carried out between the inner metalshell and the metallic radioisotope, and a second galvanic replacementreaction is subsequently carried out between the inner metal shell and anon-radioactive metallic isotope. Performing such a sequence of galvanicreplacement reactions, in some embodiments, can permit a radioisotope tobe incorporated into the outer metal shell of the radioactivenanoparticle with the use of a relatively small amount of metallicradioisotope. Thus, in some cases, the amount of the metallicradioisotope is small compared to the amount of non-radioactive metallicisotope used to form the outer shell. For instance, in some cases, themolar ratio of non-radioactive metallic isotope to radioactive metallicisotope is greater than 10:1, greater than 100:1, greater than 1000:1,greater than 10,000:1, or greater than 100,000:1. In some instances, theratio of non-radioactive to radioactive metallic isotopes is between10:1 and 100,000:1, between 100:1 and 100,000:1, between 1000:1 and100,000:1, between 1000:1 and 10,000:1, or between 10,000:1 and100,000:1. Moreover, in some embodiments, the radioactive metallicisotope is used at a concentration of about 10⁻⁷ mol/L to about 10⁻⁹mol/L.

Moreover, the metallic radioisotope and the non-radioactive metallicisotope of the second metal or combination of metals can be isotopes ofthe same metal or different metals. For example, in some cases, themetallic radioisotope comprises Pd-103, and the non-radioactive metallicisotope comprises a non-radioactive isotope of Pd, such as Pd-106. Inother instances, the metallic radioisotope comprises Pd-103, and thenon-radioactive metallic isotope comprises a non-radioactive isotope ofAu, such as Au-197. Further, the metallic radioisotope can be anymetallic radioisotope described hereinabove in Section VIII. Moreover,in some cases, the chemical identity of the metallic radioisotope isselected based on the chemical composition and/or reduction potential ofone or more other components of the radioactive nanoparticle, such asone or more of the metal nanoparticle core, the inner metal shell, andthe outer metal shell. For example, in some instances, the metallicradioisotope comprises a metal that has a higher reduction potentialthan a metal of the inner metal shell. Non-limiting examples of metallicradioisotopes that may be used in some embodiments described hereininclude Cu-64, Cu-67, Pd-103, Rh-105, Ir-192, and Au-198. Otherradioisotopes may also be used.

More generally, the second metal or combination of metals can compriseany metal not inconsistent with the objectives of the presentdisclosure. In some cases, the second metal or combination of metalscomprises one or more metals having a higher reduction potential thanthe first metal or combination of metals forming the inner metal shell.In some embodiments, the second metal or combination of metals comprisesa transition metal, including one or more of Fe, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt,Cu, Ag, and Au. In some embodiments, the second metal or combination ofmetals a lanthanide metal, such as Sm. Other metals may also be used.

Further, as described above in Section VIII, the metals or combinationsof metals used to form the metal nanoparticle core, the inner metalshell, and the outer metal shell according to a method described hereincan generally be selected based on their relative reactivities orreduction potentials, including in such a manner as to promote facileand/or efficient electroless deposition and/or galvanic replacementreactions as described above. For instance, in some embodiments, themetal nanoparticle core is formed from Au, the first metal orcombination of metals comprises Cu, and the second metal or combinationof metals comprises a radioisotope of Pd, Rh, or Au and anon-radioactive isotope of Pd, Rh, or Au. Other combinations of metalsare also possible without departing from the teachings of the presentdisclosure, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In addition, in some instances described herein, the outer metal shellcompletely or substantially completely replaces the inner metal shellduring formation of the radioactive nanoparticle. For reference purposesherein, an outer metal shell that “substantially completely” replacesthe inner metal shell replaces at least about 90 mol. %, at least about95 mol. %, at least about 98 mol. %, or at least about 99 mol. % of theinner metal shell, based on the total amount of the inner metal shellpresent prior to the replacement step. In such embodiments, the innermetal shell can be absent or substantially completely absent from thefinal radioactive nanoparticle. In other cases, however, some amount ofthe inner metal shell may remain and be detectable within the completedradioactive nanoparticle.

As described herein, methods of making a radioactive nanoparticleaccording to the present disclosure can be carried out in a facileand/or efficient manner. Further, in some cases, a method of making aradioactive nanoparticle described herein can be carried out withoutapplying an electric current to the material system and/or without theuse of an external or non-metallic oxidizing or reducing agent, where an“external” reducing agent can refer to a reducing agent that is notitself part of the metal nanoparticle core, inner metal shell, or outermetal shell of the radioactive nanoparticle. For example, in someinstances, the inner metal shell and the outer metal shell of aradioactive nanoparticle described herein are formed without the use ofa non-metallic reducing agent. Similarly, forming an outer metal shellcan be carried out without the use of any other reactant or reducingagent other than a metal species (such as a metal salt or othermetal-containing complex) that serves as the source of the metal for theouter metal shell. Moreover, such a reaction can be carried out inaqueous solution.

Radioactive nanoparticles can also be made in a manner that differs fromthe method described above. For example, in some embodiments, an innermetal shell may not be formed over the metal nanoparticle core prior tothe formation of an outer metal shell through one or more galvanicreplacement reactions. Instead, in some cases, a method of making aradioactive nanoparticle comprises providing a metal nanoparticle coreand forming an outer metal shell over the metal nanoparticle corethrough galvanic replacement of at least a portion of the metalnanoparticle core with a second metal or combination of metals, whereinthe second metal or combination of metals comprises a metallicradioisotope. The second metal or combination of metals may also includea non-radioactive metallic isotope. Moreover, the second metal orcombination of metals can have a higher reduction potential than themetal nanoparticle core. In addition, in some embodiments, the outershell is formed from a sequence of galvanic replacement reactions. Forexample, in some instances, forming the outer metal shell comprisescarrying out a first galvanic replacement reaction between the metalnanoparticle core and the metallic radioisotope and subsequentlycarrying out a second galvanic replacement reaction between the metalnanoparticle core and the non-radioactive metallic isotope. In thismanner, at least a portion of the metal nanoparticle core (such as anexterior surface portion) can be replaced by the second metal orcombination of metals to provide a radioactive nanoparticle having acore-shell structure. For instance, in one non-limiting example, aradioactive Pd shell including a radioactive Pd isotope and anon-radioactive Pd isotope can be formed over a metal nanoparticle coreformed from Cu. Other combinations of metals may also be used.

In still other cases, a radioactive nanoparticle can be made byincorporating a radioactive isotope within the metal nanoparticle core,instead of or in addition to incorporating a radioactive isotope withinan outer shell disposed over the metal nanoparticle core. For example,in some embodiments, a method of making a radioactive nanoparticlecomprises providing a porous hollow nanoparticle (such as a poroushollow nanoparticle described hereinabove), mixing one or moreradioisotopes with the hollow nanoparticle to dispose the radioisotopeswithin the hollow nanoparticle, and sealing the porous hollownanoparticle. In some cases, sealing the porous hollow nanoparticlecomprises providing a metal-containing species capable of undergoingdeposition by an oxidation-reduction reaction on the surface of theporous hollow nanoparticle, as described hereinabove in Section IV. Forinstance, in some embodiments, sealing comprises providing ametal-containing species capable of undergoing electroless deposition onthe surface of the porous hollow nanoparticle. The radioactive isotopeused in such a method can be a metallic radioisotope, such as Lu-177 orAc-225 or a metallic radioisotope described hereinabove in Section VIII,or a non-metallic radioisotope, such as B-10, P-32, I-125, or I-131.

X. Methods of Performing Brachytherapy

In another aspect, methods of performing brachytherapy are describedherein. In some embodiments, a method of performing brachytherapycomprises disposing a composition described herein within a biologicalcompartment. In some cases, for instance, the composition comprises aplurality of dispersed radioactive nanoparticles, where “dispersed”radioactive nanoparticles are non-agglomerated or substantiallynon-agglomerated nanoparticles, including nanoparticles having anaverage size described hereinabove in Section VIII. For instance, insome embodiments, the composition is a colloidal dispersion of theplurality of radioactive nanoparticles. As understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art, such a colloidal dispersion can further comprise asolvent or carrier fluid in which the nanoparticles are dispersed. Anysolvent or carrier fluid not inconsistent with the objectives of thepresent disclosure may be used. In some cases, for instance, thecolloidal dispersion is an aqueous dispersion. Additionally, in someembodiments, the radioactive nanoparticles are dispersed in a serum orbuffer. As described further hereinabove, such a colloidal dispersion ofradioactive nanoparticles can provide numerous advantages over therelatively large encapsulated radiotherapeutic agents used in previousmethods of performing brachytherapy.

Moreover, in some cases, the composition disposed in the biologicalcompartment comprises a plurality of radioactive nanoparticles, whereinat least one of the plurality of radioactive nanoparticles is aradioactive nanoparticle having a core-shell or core-shell-shellstructure described hereinabove in Section VIII. In general, anyradioactive nanoparticle described hereinabove in Section VIII can beused. For instance, in some embodiments, the radioactive nanoparticlecomprises a metal nanoparticle core, an outer metal shell disposed overthe metal nanoparticle core, and a metallic radioisotope disposed withinthe metal nanoparticle core or within the outer metal shell.Additionally, in some cases, the radioactive nanoparticle has a size ofabout 30-500 nm in three dimensions. In other instances, the radioactivenanoparticle has a size of 30-400 nm, 30-300 nm, 50-500 nm, 50-400 nm,50-300 nm, 50-250 nm, 50-200, nm, 50-150 nm, 80-500 nm, 80-300 nm,80-200 nm, 100-500 nm, 100-400 nm, 100-300 nm, 100-200 nm, 120-450 nm,120-300 nm, 120-200 nm, or 120-180 nm in each of two or threedimensions. Not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that aradioactive nanoparticle having a size described herein can be retainedwithin the biological compartment in which the nanoparticle is disposedfor long periods, such as periods up to 5 weeks, up to 8 weeks, or up to10 weeks. Such retention can be especially desirable for embodimentswherein the biological compartment is a tumor or cancerous tissue. Forexample, in some embodiments wherein a plurality of radioactivenanoparticles are disposed in a tumor or cancerous biologicalcompartment, at least about 70% or at least about 80% of the radioactivenanoparticles are retained within the tumor for at least 3 weeks. Insome instances, about 70-99%, 70-95%, 70-90%, 70-80%, 80-99%, 80-95%,80-90%, 85-99%, or 85-95% of the radioactive nanoparticles are retainedwithin the tumor for a period of 1-10 weeks, 1-5 weeks, 1-3 weeks, 3-10weeks, 3-8 weeks, 3-5 weeks, 5-10 weeks, or 5-8 weeks.

Moreover, compositions comprising radioactive nanoparticles having asize described herein can also permit the compositions to be disposed inthe biological compartment by injection, rather than by surgery. Thus,in some cases, a method of performing brachytherapy described hereincomprises injecting the composition into a biological compartment suchas a tumor or a region immediately adjacent to a tumor, where a region“immediately adjacent” to a tumor may be within about 5 cm, within about2 cm, or within about 1 cm of the tumor. Moreover, in some instances,the composition is injected into a blood vessel such as an arteryassociated with the biological compartment. For example, in someimplementations, the composition is injected as part of a transarterialinfusion treatment, such as described hereinbelow in the Examples.

It is further to be understood that a method of performing brachytherapydescribed herein can be used to treat any tumor or cancerous tissue notinconsistent with the objectives of the present disclosure. For example,in some instances, the biological compartment comprises a solidcarcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia, blastoma, or germ cell tumor.More particularly, in some cases, the biological compartment comprisesbreast cancer tissue, prostate cancer tissue, lung cancer tissue,pancreatic cancer tissue, colon cancer tissue, liver cancer tissue,esophageal cancer tissue, gynecologic cancer tissue, anal or rectalcancer tissue, head or neck cancer tissue, brain cancer tissue, or bonecancer tissue. Moreover, in some embodiments, a method described hereincan be used to treat a malignant tumor that is unresectable or otherwisenot ideal for surgical removal. A tumor can be considered “unresectable”if the tumor adheres to vital structures of the patient or if surgery toremove the tumor would cause irreversible damage to the patient. Amethod described herein may also be used to treat a relatively smalltumor intraoperatively, such as a tumor having a size of 5 cm or less, 2cm or less, 1 cm or less, or 0.5 cm or less. In addition, as describedhereinabove, a method described herein can be used to carry out anintraarterial infusion of the radioactive nanoparticles, therebypermitting treatment of tumors of any size.

Similarly, in some cases, a method described herein can be used toprovide brachytherapy to potential regions of residual microscopicdisease, including following resection or other treatment of a largerdisease site. Thus, in some cases, the biological compartment of amethod described herein is a site from which a tumor or other diseasedtissue was previously removed. The biological compartment may also be amicroscopic region of potentially diseased tissue, where a “microscopic”region can have a volume of less than 10 mm³ or less than 1 mm³. Inother embodiments, the biological compartment into which the radioactivenanoparticle is injected or disposed is immediately adjacent to such amicroscopic region.

As understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, disposing aradioactive composition described herein in a biological compartmentsuch as a tumor can provide brachytherapy to the biological compartmentby means of the radiation emitted by the radioactive composition.Moreover, in some embodiments, a method described herein can alsoprovide treatment or therapy to a biological compartment by carrying outfurther therapeutic steps in addition to those directed to providinginternal radiation to the biological compartment. For instance, in somecases, a method described herein further comprises irradiating thebiological compartment with an external beam of ionizing radiation. Asunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art, “ionizing radiation” caninclude various types of radiation having an energy sufficient to ionizean atom or molecule by liberating an electron from the atom or molecule.It is further understood that the amount of energy required to liberatethe electron can vary depending on the identity or environment of theatom or molecule. In some embodiments, ionizing radiation can beionizing electromagnetic radiation, such as radiation comprising gammarays, X-rays, and/or ultraviolet rays in the Hydrogen Lyman-alpha (HLyman-α), Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV), or Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) regionof the spectrum. In other instances, the ionizing radiation can comprisea radioactive decay product, such as an alpha particle, beta particle,or neutron. Moreover, in some cases, a radioactive nanoparticledescribed herein can be a radiosensitizer for the biologicalcompartment. Thus, in some instances, a composition described herein canbe used to treat a disease such as cancer by providing internalradiation therapy or brachytherapy and also by enhancing the effect ofexternal radiation therapy. Further, it is also to be understood that,in some embodiments, the radioactive nanoparticle can be aradiosensitizer for the radiation emitted by the radioactivenanoparticle itself, such that the effects of the internal radiationtherapy provided by the radioactive nanoparticle are enhanced.

Moreover, in some cases, a composition described herein can also be ahyperthermia agent. In such embodiments, the radioactive nanoparticlesof the composition can absorb electromagnetic radiation of anappropriate wavelength and subsequently convert at least a portion ofthe energy of the absorbed electromagnetic radiation to thermal energy,resulting in an increase in temperature of the radioactive nanoparticlesand the nanoparticles' surrounding environment. Therefore, in somecases, a method described herein further comprises exposing thebiological compartment in which the radioactive nanoparticles aredisposed to a beam of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength thatcan be absorbed by the radioactive nanoparticles. In some instances, theelectromagnetic radiation includes visible light or is centered in thevisible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as between 450 nmand 750 nm. In some cases, the electromagnetic radiation includesinfrared (IR) light or light centered in the IR region of theelectromagnetic spectrum. For example, in some embodiments, theelectromagnetic radiation is centered in the near-IR (NIR, 750 nm-1.4μm), short-wavelength IR (SWIR, 1.4-3 μm), mid-wavelength IR (MWIR, 3-8μm), or long-wavelength IR (LWIR, 8-15 μm). Moreover, in someembodiments, the electromagnetic radiation overlaps with a spectralwavelength at which water and/or biological tissue has an absorptionminimum, such as a wavelength between about 700 nm and about 800 nm orbetween about 1.25 μm and about 1.35 μm.

Some embodiments described herein are further illustrated in thefollowing non-limiting examples.

Example 1 Hollow Au Nanoparticles Formed Using Stacked Membranes

Hollow Au nanoparticles consistent with some embodiments herein wereprovided as follows. The nanoparticles were formed using athree-electrode electrodeposition cell with a Ag/AgCl electrode in 3 MNaCl solution as the reference and a platinum mesh as the counterelectrode, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Potentials were applied to theworking electrode using a Princeton Applied Research 273APotentiostat/Galvanostat. A stack of two to five commercial aluminamembranes (Whatman Corp.) provided a plurality of nucleation substrates.Each membrane was about 60 μm thick, with channels extending through theentire thickness. One side of each membrane further exhibited smallbranches. The channel diameter was about 300 nm and the diameter of thebranches varied from about 20 nm to about 200 nm. The channel densitywas approximately 10⁹/cm². Top and cross section views of a membrane areshown in FIG. 2. The membranes were stacked such that the branched sideof each membrane was closest to the membrane beneath rather than themembrane above, if any (i.e., the branched sides were oriented to be onbottom rather than on top of each layer in the stack of membranes). A500 nm Cu layer was sputter-deposited on the bottom side of the bottommembrane in the stack and served as the working electrode. A Teflon cellwith an o-ring 1 cm in diameter was placed on the top of the membranestack.

An electrolyte was disposed in the electrodeposition cell describedabove. The electrolyte was prepared by first preparing an aqueoussolution composed of ˜3% (by volume) sulfuric acid (18 M, Alfa Aesar),˜3% (by volume) ethylenediamine (EDA, 50% solution diluted from 99%,Sigma-Aldrich), ˜10% (by volume) sodium gold sulfite (Na₃Au(SO₃)₂, 10%solution diluted from pH 10.5 solution purchased from Colonial Metals,Inc.), and ˜7% (by volume) sodium sulfite (Na₂SO₃) (2M aqueous solution,Sigma-Aldrich). The solution had a pH of about 7.0. The solution wasthen altered by adding 0.01 M sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) or 0.4 M aqueousnickel sulfamate (Ni(SO₃NH₂)₂, prepared using deionized water and 98%nickel sulfamate tetrahydrate (Ni(SO₃NH₂)₂. 4H₂O) purchased fromSigma-Aldrich) to reduce the pH to ˜6.0.

After disposing the electrolyte in the electrodeposition cell, apotential more negative than −0.6 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) was applied, resultingin the formation of large Au nanorods and smaller hollow Aunanoparticles. The hollow Au nanoparticles were observed on the innerpore wall surfaces of all the membranes. More hollow nanoparticles wereobserved in membranes closer to the bottom electrode. The number ofthese hollow nanoparticles gradually decreased with the distance fromthe bottom electrode, as shown in FIG. 3. Some electrodeposited Aunanorods can be seen at the bottom of FIG. 4, while some hollow Aunanoparticles can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. Branches at the bottom ofeach membrane can be seen at the bottom of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B.

The hollow Au nanoparticles were isolated by first pouring out theelectrolyte from the cell and washing using deionized water. Deionizedwater was then added to the cell and kept there for at least half anhour to allow complete diffusion of the electrolyte out of themembranes. This process was repeated at least three times. Membranes inthe stack were then individually dissolved using 1 M sodium hydroxide(NaOH) solution. The remaining hollow Au nanoparticles were purified byseveral cycles of dispersion in deionized water followed bycentrifugation. FIG. 4 shows the accumulation of hollow Au nanoparticleson top of the electrodeposited metal on the working electrode afterdissolving the first membrane.

The hollow Au nanoparticles were characterized using scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamiclight scattering (DLS). Bright field images and selective area electrondiffraction (SAED) patterns were acquired using a Hitachi H9500 HR-TEMoperating at 300 kV. Samples were prepared by placing a drop of hollowAu nanoparticle suspension on a carbon coated copper grid, waiting 10minutes for the particles to settle on the grid, and then removingexcess solution. FIG. 5 shows TEM micrographs (A-C) and a selected areadiffraction pattern (D) of hollow Au nanoparticles. Ion milling was usedto open the hollow Au nanoparticles for further characterization. SEMmicrographs were taken using a ZEISS Supra 55 VP SEM. Samples wereprepared by spreading diluted aqueous suspensions of hollow Aunanoparticles on a piece of silicon wafer, forming a monolayer ofnanoparticles on the surface. Ion milling was performed using a GatanPrecision Ion Polishing System with 4.5 keV ion guns tilted at 4 degreesfor 5 minutes. The two beam currents were 36 μA and 48 μA, and thesample was rotated at 4 rpm. FIG. 6 shows the treated hollow Aunanoparticles. FIG. 7 shows the size distribution of a population ofhollow Au nanoparticles using DLS.

Example 2 Hollow Au Nanoparticles Formed Using a Patterned Substrate

Hollow Au nanoparticles consistent with some embodiments herein wereprovided as follows. The hollow Au nanoparticles were formed using athree-electrode cell with a Ag/AgCl electrode in 3 M NaCl solution asthe reference and a platinum mesh as the counter electrode, as shown inFIG. 8. A lithographically pattered electrode consisting of Ag stripeson a glass substrate (an optical microscope slide) was used as theworking electrode. The optical microscope glass slide was rinsed withdeionized water and then cleaned with plasma treatment before use.Photolithography was used to pattern the glass substrate. The photomaskdesign is shown in FIG. 9A. The width of the stripes was 50 μm, and thestripes were duplicated every 100 μm. The Ag stripe patterned substrateis shown in FIG. 9B. The uncoated glass regions of the substrateprovided surfaces for the nucleation and growth of hollow Aunanoparticles. Potentials were applied to the working electrode using aPrinceton Applied Research 273A Potentiostat/Galvanostat.

An electrolyte was disposed in the electrodeposition cell describedabove. Reagent grade chemicals used to prepare various electrolytesincluded the following. Aqueous sodium gold sulfite (Na₃Au(SO₃)₂)solution with a pH ˜10.5 was purchased from Colonial Metals Inc., anddiluted to 10% or 5% with deionized water. Ethylenediamine (EDA, 99%,Sigma-Aldrich) was diluted to 50% or 5% with deionized water. Aqueoussolution of 0.4 M nickel sulfamate (Ni(SO₃NH₂)₂) with a pH ˜5.8 wasprepared using deionized water and 98% nickel sulfamate tetrahydrate(Ni(SO₃NH₂)₂. 4H₂O) purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. To prepare a series ofelectrolytes, the components indicated in Table 1 were mixed, and theelectrolytes were further acidified with 5% sulfuric acid to reach a pHof about 6.

TABLE 1 Electrolytes. Na₃Au(SO₃)₂ EDA Ni(SO₃NH₂)₂ Electrolyte (5%) (5%)(0.4M) 1   1 mL 2 0.5 mL 0.5 mL 3 0.5 mL 0.5 mL 4 0.5 mL 0.5 mL 0.5 mL

After disposing an electrolyte in the electrodeposition cell, apotential was applied. When a potential more negative than the hydrogenevolution equilibrium potential was applied to the Ag stripes, a largenumber of gold nanoparticles were formed on the glass areas, as shown inFIG. 10 (scale bar is 1 μm). The nanoparticles in FIG. 10A were formedusing an electrolyte without Ni²⁺. The nanoparticles in FIG. 10B wereformed using an electrolyte including Ni²⁺.

Example 3 Hollow Au Nanoparticles Using a TEM Grid

Hollow Au nanoparticles consistent with some embodiments herein wereprovided as follows. The hollow Au nanoparticles were formed using amethod similar to that described in Example 2, except a TEM grid wasused as the working electrode and nucleation substrate. The TEM gridcomprised a copper mesh coated with a carbon film. As shown in FIG. 11,hollow Au nanoparticles were observed on the carbon film. The scale baris 1 μm. Characterization by high resolution TEM (HR-TEM) was carriedout after the electrodeposition without any further treatment.

Example 4 Hollow Au Nanoparticles with a Porous Shell

Hollow Au nanoparticles consistent with some embodiments herein wereprovided as follows. The nanoparticles were formed using a methodsimilar to that described in Example 1. An electrodeposition cell asdescribed in Example 1 was used, except a stack of two instead of fiveanodic alumina filtration membranes was used, and a 700 nm layer of Cuwas sputter deposited to block the pores of the bottom membrane andserve as the working electrode. A commercial Au sulfite solution(Techni-Gold 25 ES RTU from Technic, Inc.) was used as the electrolyte.The initial pH of the solution was about 7.0. The solution was alteredby adding 0.4 M Ni sulfamate solution to change the pH to about 6.0. Apotential of −0.80 V (vs. Ag/AgCl reference) was applied to the workingelectrode using a Princeton Applied Research 273APotentiostat/Galvanostat. Hydrogen evolution occurred at this potential.To obtain hollow Au nanoparticles having a porous shell, the reactiontime was held to less than 10 minutes. The hollow Au nanoparticles withporous shells were purified and isolated as described in Example 1.

Example 5 Hollow Au Nanoparticles Comprising Hollow Au Nanoparticles

Hollow Au nanoparticles consistent with some embodiments herein wereprovided as follows. The hollow Au nanoparticles were formed using amethod similar to that described in Example 1, except the appliedpotential was pulsed. Fabrication of nanoparticles was initiated with anapplied potential of −0.8 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) for 600 seconds followed by anopen circuit for 300 seconds. The pulse potential was repeated for twoadditional cycles. Double-shell nanoparticles were obtained, as shown inFIG. 13. The average diameter of the inner cavities was about 50 nm, andthe overall size was about 300 nm. The scale bar is 200 nm. Otherdouble-shell nanoparticles are shown in FIG. 14. The scale bar in FIG.14A-C is 100 nm. The scale bar in FIG. 14D is 20 nm.

Example 6 Hollow Au Nanoparticles Comprising Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticles

Hollow Au nanoparticles comprising Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles consistent withsome embodiments herein were provided as follows. Hollow Aunanoparticles with porous shells were prepared in a manner similar tothat described in Example 4. The pH value of the electrolyte wasadjusted with 0.2 M sodium sulfite to reach a pH of about 6.5, and thereaction time was between 400 and 600 seconds. The resulting hollow Aunanoparticles had a cavity about 50 nm in diameter and a shell less thanabout 25 nm thick. The shell was porous and exhibited pore sizes ofabout 2-3 nm, as measured by HR-TEM.

To produce iron oxide nanoparticles within the hollow Au nanoparticles,5.2 g (0.032 mol) anhydrous FeCl₃ and 2 g (0.016 mol) FeCl₂ were addedunder vigorous stirring to 25 mL deionized water containing 0.85 mL HCl(12.1 N). After this, the mixed solution of FeCl₂ and FeCl₃ in HCl wasdiluted 40 times with deionized water. The resulting aqueous solutionwas delivered into the channels of an alumina membrane loaded with thehollow Au nanoparticles described above using vacuum filtration, wherethe alumina membrane served as the “filter” in the vacuum filtrationprocedure. The wetted alumina membrane was then immersed in theFeCl₃/FeCl₂ solution for about 30 minutes. The membrane was thentransferred into 5 mL of 30% NH₄OH aqueous solution and left there foran additional 10-20 minutes. A yellow-orange color appeared, indicatingthe formation of iron oxide nanoparticles. Free iron oxide nanoparticles(about 10 nm in diameter) formed inside the alumina membrane but outsidethe hollow Au nanoparticle cavities were removed by passing deionizedwater through the membrane under vacuum filtration. The membrane wasthen dissolved using 1-2 M NaOH (aq.), and Fe₃O₄/Au core/shellnanoparticles were released into solution. The nanoparticles werepurified by several cycles of dispersion in deionized water followed bycentrifugation. This process is depicted in FIG. 15.

The composite nanoparticles were characterized by energy dispersivex-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and TEM, including selected area electrondiffraction (SAED). The optical and magnetic properties of the compositeparticles were also examined. FIG. 16 shows TEM images (FIG. 16A) beforeand (FIG. 16B) after loading of iron oxide nanoparticles into the hollowAu nanoparticles. During the precipitation of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles withinthe cavity of the hollow Au nanoparticles, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles alsoformed outside of the cavity. But the TEM images indicated that no smalliron oxide nanoparticles were attached to the outer surface of thehollow Au nanoparticles. The free (i.e., not trapped within a hollow Aunanoparticle cavity) Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were less than 20 nm indiameter and were readily separated from the Fe₃O₄/Au compositeparticles using filtration and centrifugation. The loading of Fe₃O₄ intothe core of porous hollow Au nanoparticles was confirmed by EDS analysisof a single composite particle (FIG. 16C) and the selected area electrondiffraction (SAED) pattern derived from three composite particles (FIG.16D).

An aqueous suspension of Fe₃O₄/Au composite particles is shown in FIG.17A. The suspension was cyan colored, indicating that the suspensionabsorbed red light. The absorption peak shown in FIG. 17B correspondedto the SPR wavelength of the hollow Au nanoparticles. The absorptionprofile of the hollow Au nanoparticles varied little before and afterFe₃O₄ loading. Not intending to be bound by theory, the maintenance ofthe absorption profile might have been due to the thickness of the Aushell (>20 nm). Therefore it was possible to independently select andmaintain the optical properties of the hollow nanoparticle host.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17A, the composite particles could be draggedtowards a permanent magnet. The magnetization curve of a dried powercomprising the Fe₃O₄/Au composite particles exhibited hysteresis, asshown in FIG. 18. The shape of the curve suggested the presence of somesmaller (<20 nm), superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles as well as somelarger (>30 nm), ferromagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles within the cavitiesof the hollow Au nanoparticles.

Example 7 Hollow Au Nanoparticles Comprising Doped Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticles

Hollow Au nanoparticles comprising doped Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles consistentwith some embodiments herein are provided as follows. Hollow Aunanoparticles comprising Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are prepared in a mannersimilar to that described in Example 6, except a source of dopant ionsis also provided along with sources of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions. The dopantions include nuclides useful for positron emission tomography (PET)imaging, such as ⁶⁴Cu²⁺ or ⁸⁹Zr⁴⁺. Once the Au/doped Fe₃O₄nanocomposites are prepared and purified in a manner similar to thatdescribed in Example 6, the surfaces are functionalized as follows.Prior to dissolution of the alumina membrane, a solution of lipoic acidor dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) is added to the membrane resulting in theassociation of this ligand with the hollow Au nanoparticle surface. Themembrane is then further rinsed with deionized water. The carboxylicacid groups of the lipoic acid/DHLA ligands are then coupled to NH₂GR₁₁using carbodiimide coupling withN-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N″-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) andN-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (sulfo-NHS), where NH₂GR₁₁ is a prostatecancer specific polyarginine peptide described, for example, in Gao etal., Amino Acids, 2010 Mar. 11: 20221650, which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety. The nanocomposite particle comprising thepeptide targeting agent is then purified by size exclusion highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or three cycles ofcentrifugation filtration using centricon filters with a molecularweight cutoff of about 30 kDa. This process is depicted in FIG. 19.

Example 8 Hollow Au Nanoparticles Comprising a Therapeutic Agent

Hollow Au nanoparticles consistent with some embodiments herein areprovided as follows. Hollow Au nanoparticles with porous shells areprepared in a manner similar to that described in Example 4 or Example6. Then an alumina membrane loaded with the porous hollow Aunanoparticles is immersed into a concentrated solution of a therapeuticagent, such as a drug. The membranes are kept in the solution for asufficient time (such as 10-600 minutes) to allow diffusion of thetherapeutic agent into the Au nanoparticle cavities. Then ametal-containing precursor, such as Na₃Au(SO₃)₂, is added to thesolution in the membrane to allow the porous Au shell to grow, sealingat least some of the pores. The resulting hollow Au nanoparticlescomprising a therapeutic agent can then be used for medical treatment.The encapsulated therapeutic agent is released by rupturing the Aushell. The shell is ruptured by irradiating the shell with light havinga wavelength at or near the SPR frequency of the shell.

Example 9 Hollow Au Nanoparticles Comprising a Raman Active Species

Hollow Au nanoparticles consistent with some embodiments herein wereprovided as follows. Hollow gold nanoparticles were synthesized asdescribed in Example 4. The hollow gold nanoparticles had a cavitydiameter of about 50 nm and an outer diameter of about 100 nm, with anabsorption peak centered at 730 nm. An anodic aluminum oxide membranecontaining about 1.1×10¹¹ nanoparticles/mL was immersed in a freshlymade 20 mL solution of 5 μM diethylthiatricarbocyanine (DTTC) Ramanreporter dye and kept there for 3 hours at room temperature. The aluminamembrane was then rinsed with deionized water several times. Thenanoparticle-loaded membrane was then immersed overnight in a solutionof 20 μM SH-mPEG (MW 5 kDa, where mPEG refers to methoxy polyethyleneglycol) at 4° C. The alumina membrane was then dissolved using 1 M NaOHsolution. The nanoparticles were purified by several cycles ofdispersion in deionized water followed by centrifugation. This processis illustrated in FIG. 20.

The resulting hollow Au nanoparticles comprising a Raman active species,also referred to as “Raman nanotags,” were characterized by Ramanspectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy measurements were conducted in ahome-made setup with 785 nm laser light. The laser light was propagatedthrough an optical fiber (600 μm, NA=0.39) to a Raman module. At theRaman module, the light from this fiber was attenuated by a neutraldensity filter (ND=0.2) and collimated before it was incident on adichotic which reflected the light onto a 20×, 0.4 NA objective lenswith a working distance of 8.4 cm. The cell containing the Raman nanotagsuspension was placed at the focus of this lens for surface enhancedRaman spectroscopy (SERS) measurement. Light reflected and scattered bythe suspension was collected by the objective and transmitted by thedichotic to a notch filter before being focused by a 10×, 2.5 NA lensinto an optical fiber (600 μm, NA=0.39) which then propagateed the lightto a spectrometer. Spectra were acquired with an exposure time of 8seconds. The Raman spectra of a 50 μL solution of Raman nanotags with aconcentration of 5.8×10¹⁰ nanoparticles/mL exhibited the majorvibrational modes of DTTC at 379, 489, 622, 778, 843, 1017, 1074, 1103,1129, 1232, 1329, 1405, 1460 and 1513 cm⁻¹, as shown in FIG. 21. TheRaman nanotags were stable in 10 mM phosphate buffered saline (PBS), asshown in FIG. 22. The Raman nanotags were also stable in 3 M NaCl atroom temperature for up to one month. No aggregation was observed byUV-vis spectroscopy. The size of the Raman nanotags was measured by DLSin PBS. As shown in FIG. 23, the measured size in PBS was about 10 nmgreater than the size indicated by SEM. The scale bar is 500 nm.

The cytotoxicity of the Raman nanotags was evaluated using the PC-3 cellline, a human prostate cancer cell line (American Type CultureCollection, Manassas, Va.). Cells were maintained in GIBCO's T-mediumsupplemented with 5% FBS (fetal bovine serum), and 1×Penicillin/Streptomycin. Cells were incubated at 37° C. in a 5% CO₂environment and were passed at 75% confluence in P150 plates. Thecultured PC-3 cells were harvested from monolayer using PBS andtrypsin/EDTA and suspended in T-media with 5% FBS. The cytotoxicityevaluation was performed using [³H]-thymidine incorporation, which is ameasurement of DNA synthesis rate as a marker for cell proliferation.Approximately 3000 cells were seeded in a flat-bottomed 96-wellpolystyrene coated plate and incubated for 24 hours at 37° C. in a 5%CO₂ incubator. The hollow gold nanoparticles with different coatings(PEG only versus Raman reporter dye with PEG) were suspended in theT-medium. The evaluated concentrations were 960, 480, 96, and 9.6 mM.The hollow gold nanoparticle-loaded T-medium was added to the plate inhexaplets. After 24 hours of incubation of cells and nanoparticles, theT-medium was aspirated from each well, and the cell layer was rinsed 3times with complete growth T-medium and then [³H]-thymidine solution (1μCi/100 μL T-medium) was added to each well. After 2 hours incubation,the medium was aspirated from each well and the cell layer was rinsed 3times with complete growth T-medium. The cells were then solubilizedwith 100 μL of 2 N NaOH solution. The solutions were collected from thewells and added to scintillation vials containing 5 mL of Budget-SolveComplete Counting Cocktail. Finally, [³H]-thymidine incorporated intoDNA was quantified by Liquid Scintillation β-Counter (Beckman LS 6500).Statistically, the treated cells showed the same viability as thecontrol.

Example 10 Hollow Au Nanoparticles Comprising a Targeting Species

Hollow Au nanoparticles consistent with some embodiments herein wereprovided as follows. Raman nanotags were prepared as described inExample 9, except addition of the Raman reporter dye and polyethyleneglycol was carried out as follows. A freshly prepared solution of Ramanreporter dye was flowed through the alumina membrane loaded with poroushollow Au nanoparticles followed by the flow through the membrane of amixture of SH-mPEG (10 μM, MW 5 kDa) and SH-PEG-COOH (1 μM, MW 2 kDa)solutions at a volumetric ratio of 2:7. To a 1 mL solution of thepurified Raman nanotags, EDC and sulfo-NHS were added and incubated for30 minutes. The composite particles were then purified by three cyclesof centrifugation followed by redispersion in PBS. Anti-PSMA (where“PSMA” refers to a type II transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed inprostate cancers) was then added to the solution of activated esternanotags, and the mixture was allowed to react at 4° C. overnight. Theresulting antibody-nanotag conjugate was purified by either sizeexclusion column separation or centricon centrifugation.

Example 11 Hollow Au Nanoparticles with a Roughened Surface

Hollow Au nanoparticles consistent with some embodiments herein wereprovided as follows. Hollow Au nanoparticles having a roughened surfacewere prepared in a manner similar to that described in Example 1, exceptthe pH of the electrolyte was altered as follows. Hollow Aunanoparticles prepared using an electrolyte with a pH of about 6.0exhibited relatively smooth shells. To increase the surface roughness,the pH of the electrolyte was increased to about 6.5 or 7.0 through theaddition of 2 M Na₂SO₃ (pH about 9.0). Not intending to be bound bytheory, the pH dependence of the roughness can be attributed to theincrease in the rate of the autocatalytic reaction of Na₃Au(SO₃)₂ (andthus grain growth and final grain size) with pH. FIG. 24 shows thesurface morphology of hollow gold nanoparticles synthesized usingelectrolytes with different pH values. FIG. 24A shows a smooth shellformed at an electrolyte pH of about 6.0. FIG. 24B shows a shell havinga surface roughness of about 5 nm and formed at an electrolyte pH ofabout 6.5. FIG. 24C shows a shell having a surface roughness of about 8nm and formed at an electrolyte pH of about 7.0. FIG. 25 shows thecorresponding absorption spectra of aqueous suspensions of the hollow Aunanoparticles. The dashed lines in FIG. 25 correspond to simulatedabsorption profiles. The plasmon peak shifted to longer wavelength withthe increase of electrolyte pH. When the pH changed from about 6.0 to6.5 to 7.0, the SPR peaks shifted from about 600 nm to 630 nm to 730 nm.

Example 12 Hemispherical and Tubular Au Nanoparticles

Hemispherical and tubular Au nanoparticles consistent with someembodiments herein were provided as follows. An electrochemicaldeposition cell similar to that described in Example 1 was used. Anelectrolyte was disposed in the electrodeposition cell. The electrolytewas prepared by first preparing an aqueous solution composed of ˜3%sulfuric acid, ˜3% ethylenediamine (EDA), ˜10% sodium gold sulfite(Na₃Au(SO₃)₂), and ˜7% sodium sulfite (Na₂SO₃). The solution had a pH ofabout 7.0. The solution was then altered by adding 0.01 M sulfuric acid(H₂SO₄) to reduce the pH to about 4.0. After disposing the electrolytein the electrodeposition cell, a potential more negative than −0.6 V(vs. Ag/AgCl) was applied for about 10-60 minutes. With a depositiontime of about 10 minutes, hemispherical gold nanoparticles were observedon the pore walls (FIG. 26A). With a deposition time of about 60minutes, tubular nanoparticles were observed (FIG. 26B). The scale barsin FIG. 26 are 200 nm. Not intending to be bound by theory, it isbelieved that nanoparticle morphology is affected by the contact angleof H₂ bubbles on the pore wall surface, which is in turn affected by thehydrophobicity of the pore wall surface.

Example 13 Photothermal Properties of Hollow Au Nanoparticles

The photothermal properties of hollow Au nanoparticles in tissue-likephantoms under near infrared (NIR) laser irradiation were investigated.Gel phantoms were prepared using 1% Intralipid, gelatin powder, andparaformaldehyde. Briefly, 2400 mg of highly purified gelatin powder wasmixed with 228 mL of deionized water. The mixture was then heated bymicrowave for 2-4 minutes (to about 900° C.) with intermittent mixinguntil the gelatin was dissolved and the solution appeared clear andcolorless. With continuous mixing at room temperature, the gelatinsolution was permitted to cool to 600° C., at which time 12 mL of 1%Intralipid (20% fat emulsion, Sigma-Aldrich) and 140 mg paraformaldehyde(95%, Sigma-Aldrich) were added, which caused the solution to becomewhite and opaque. After formation of the gel phantom, a thin pocket wascreated in the phantom. A suspension of hollow Au nanoparticles (50 μL,3.0×10⁹ nanoparticles/mL) having a SPR peak centered at 750 nm wasdisposed in the pocket via pipet. A diode laser fiber (mean wavelengthof 810 nm) was also placed in the center of the pocket in contact withthe nanoparticle suspension. The laser fiber was used to irradiate thehollow Au nanoparticles. The temperature change in the phantom wasrecorded by thermometer as a function of distance and time. FIG. 27illustrates the experimental setup.

Irradiation from the NIR diode laser was carried out for 1 minute at apower density of 300 W/cm². With 1 minute irradiation time, thetemperature rose by 23, 13, and 8 degrees Celsius at a distance of 1, 3,and 4 mm from the irradiation point, respectively. Because water alsoabsorbs at 810 nm, control experiments were conducted using water ratherthan a suspension of hollow Au nanoparticles. The temperature increasein the control experiments was 12, 7, and 5 degrees Celsius at adistance of 1, 3, and 4 mm, respectively. The results are shown in FIG.28.

The photothermal properties of hollow Au nanoparticles were alsoinvestigated using an infrared focal plane array camera (FLIR modelSC6000, 640×513 pixels, 25 μm pitch) with a detection window of 8-9.6μm. The method compared the photothermal properties of two cuvettescontaining two different nanoparticle suspensions: (1) solid sphericalgold nanoparticles with a diameter of about 80 nm (1.0×10¹⁰particles/mL) and (2) hollow gold nanoparticles with a cavity diameterof about 50 nm and an outer diameter of about 100 nm (1.0×10¹⁰particles/mL). Each cuvette was placed at the focal plane of the cameralens, and collimated laser light (centered at 800 nm) was directed ontothe center of the cuvette. The incident laser power was 350 mW, and thediameter of the collimated Gaussian beam was 3 mm. The incident lightflux at the gold suspension was 1.2 W/cm². The image acquisition ratewas 1 frame per second, beginning with the commencement of irradiation.The cuvettes were irradiated for 10 minutes each. Images were recordedfor 30 minutes. To correlate temperature to measured infrared intensityfor each image pixel, a calibration experiment was conducted. Thecalibration was carried out by recording images of a cuvette throughwhich water was circulated from a heated water bath. A thermocoupleplaced in the water bath measured the temperature continuously insynchronization with the image acquisition. FIG. 29 shows the infraredabsorbance image of the cuvette filled with hollow gold nanoparticles.The maximum temperature increase occurred at the center of the cuvette.Compared to the solid spherical gold nanoparticles, the temperatureincrease for the hollow gold nanoparticles was significantly enhanced,as shown in FIG. 30.

Example 14 Radioactive Nanoparticles

Radioactive nanoparticles according to some embodiments described hereinwere prepared as follows.

First, to provide metal nanoparticle cores, hollow Au nanoparticles wereprepared as generally described in Example 1. More particularly, anodicaluminum oxide (AAO) membranes having a diameter of 1 cm and 300 nmdiameter through channels were used to collect the hollow Aunanoparticles. The resulting hollow Au nanoparticles were monodisperseand had an outer diameter greater than 100 nm. The hollow Aunanoparticles also had a 50-70 nm diameter cavity and a polycrystallineAu shell having a thickness of less than 25 nm.

Next, an inner metal shell and an outer metal shell were sequentiallyformed on the metal nanoparticle cores, as illustrated schematically inFIG. 36. For illustration purposes, the nanoparticles in FIG. 36 aredepicted with cut away views. However, it is to be understood that sucha depiction is for illustration purposes only and does not indicate thepresence of an incomplete inner metal shell or outer metal shell. Asshown in FIG. 36, the hollow Au nanoparticles were first coated with Cuby an electroless deposition process. Specifically, each aluminamembrane containing trapped hollow Au nanoparticles was treated with 9mL of Cu²⁺ plating solution (containing 0.4 M CuSO₄ in 5% w/v EDTA, 37%v/v formaldehyde, and 1.0 M NaOH in a 1:1:1 v/v proportion) for 20 min.After 20 minutes, the membrane containing Cu-plated hollow Aunanoparticles was washed with water three times.

Next, the Cu layer was replaced by Pd through a galvanic replacementreaction. More particularly, two sequential galvanic replacementreactions were carried out. In the first galvanic replacement reaction,a solution containing the metallic radioisotope Pd-103 was added to thecomposition after the electroless plating of copper on the metalnanoparticle cores. In the second galvanic replacement reaction,non-radioactive Pd was added to the composition. Specifically, each AAOmembrane was first drained and rinsed using a vacuum filtration setupwith 0.1 M citric acid solution (three times) to completely soak themembrane channels with citric acid, and then 3 mL of 0.1 M citric acidsolution containing 4.37 mCi Pd-103 was added. Plating of the “hot”Pd-103 was then continued for 24 h, followed by the addition of “cold”Pd plating solution (containing 0.0025 M PdCl₂ in 0.4 M citric acidsolution). After 1 h, 2 M NaOH was added to dissolve the membrane andthe resultant nanoparticle suspension was washed thrice with water bycentrifugation (Legend Micro 21, FL, USA) at 14000 rpm for 10 min withsonication (Branson 2510, CT, USA) after each centrifugation run. Inthis manner, radioactive nanoparticles having a hollow Au nanoparticlecore and an outer metal shell comprising Pd-103 and non-radioactive Pdwere prepared. These radioactive nanoparticles can be denoted as“¹⁰³Pd@Au nanoseeds.” The pellet of ¹⁰³Pd@Au nanoseeds was dispersed bysonication in PBS (pH=7.4). The overall process yielded ¹⁰³Pd@Aunanoseeds with greater than 80% radiolabeling efficiency as determinedby dose calibrator (Capintech Inc, PA, USA), where the percentefficiency is based on the total amount of Pd-103 used. Dynamic lightscattering (DLS) assessment confirmed the synthesized ¹⁰³Pd@Au nanoseedsto be monodisperse with mean particle size of 140.5±7.6 nm.Additionally, the ¹⁰³Pd@Au nanoseeds were highly negatively charged(−25.81±1.8 mV). Further, as illustrated in FIG. 37, TEM microscopydemonstrated the core-shell structure of the nanoparticles. Asillustrated in FIG. 38, SEM microscopy indicated a nearly perfectspherical shape and very narrow size distribution for the population ofnanoparticles. It should be noted that, for safety and compliancereasons, the microscope images illustrated in FIG. 37 and FIG. 38 are ofnon-radioactive nanoparticles that are counterparts to the radioactivenanoparticles described in this Example. Specifically, thenon-radioactive nanoparticles of FIG. 37 and FIG. 38 were made in thesame manner and had the same structure as described herein forradioactive nanoparticles, except without the use of a radioisotope. The¹⁰³Pd@Au nanoseeds were found to be extremely stable and retained theiroriginal size even after being stored in solution for 2 months at 8±2°C. Although caking of ¹⁰³Pd@Au nanoseeds was observed during thestorage, the nanoseeds could be redispersed in PBS by mild sonicationfor 30 seconds.

For the above procedure, PdCl₂ and CuSO₄.5H₂O were obtained fromSigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, Mo.) and Alfa Aesar (Ward Hill, Mass.),respectively. Radioactive Pd-103 was purchased from Nordion (Ontario,Canada). PBS was purchased from Invitrogen Corporation (Carlsbad,Calif.). All other solvents and reagents were of analytical purity gradeand were purchased from VWR (Brisbane, Calif.). All aqueous solutionswere prepared in Millipore Milli-Q water (18 MΩ-cm) that was obtainedfrom a Millipore Gradient Milli-Q water system (Billerica, Mass.).

Example 15 Methods of Performing Brachytherapy

The use of the radioactive nanoparticles of Example 14 for brachytherapywas evaluated in animal models as follows.

A. Animal Studies

For in vivo evaluation of the radioactive nanoparticles or “nanoseeds”of Example 14, including their retention in tumor sites, toxicity, andtherapeutic efficacy, SCID mice bearing human prostate cancer tumorswere used. Tumor induction was carried out, with slight modifications,according to Matsuno et al., “Induction of lasting complete regressionof preformed distinct solid tumors by targeting the tumor vasculatureusing two new anti-endoglin monoclonal antibodies,” Clinical CancerResearch, 5, 371-382 (1999); and VanWeelden et al., “Apoptoticregression of MCF-7 xenografts in nude mice treated with the vitamin D3analog, EB1089,” Endocrinology, 139, 2102-2110 (1998). Further detailsare provided below. A cell suspension containing 3×10⁶ PC3 cells wasimplanted subcutaneously into both shoulders of SCID mice. The tumor wasallowed to grow for 4 weeks to reach a palpable size of about181.67±62.14 mm³. Animals were randomized at day 0 into three groups(n=6), in which (a) PBS solution, (b) “cold” Pd@Au nanoparticle PBSsuspension (where such “cold” nanoparticles were the same as thenanoseeds of Example 14, except excluding radioactive Pd-103), or (c)“hot” nanoseed PBS suspension was injected into tumors carried by theSCID mice. Groups (a) and (b) served as controls. Injection wasperformed at 6-9 randomly selected locations to uniformly distribute thedose in the whole tumorous mass. For the experimental sample (i.e., thehot nanoseed sample), 1.5 mCi of the hot nanoseeds containing Pd-103 wasinjected into the tumor. The suspension volume was 40 μL, with ananoparticle concentration of 2.03×10¹⁰ nanoparticles/mL. The sameamount of the PBS solution and cold nanoseed compositions were injectedinto tumors in the two control groups.

B. Retention of Radioactive Nanoparticles in Tumor Sites

For the group treated with the hot nanoseeds of Example 14, after theintratumoral injection, SPECT/CT imaging was conducted in a longitudinalmanner (at 0, 1, 2, 4 days post injection (d.p.i) and 1, 2, 4, and 5weeks post injection (w.p.i.)) to noninvasively monitor the retention ofthe nanoseeds by acquisition of the low energy X-ray emissions of Pd-103on a small animal SPECT/CT scanner. The results are illustrated in FIG.39 and FIG. 40. The quantitative SPECT analysis performed at 1 d.p.i.(FIG. 40) showed that the injected dose stayed at the site ofadministration (101.50±23.72% ID/g) with negligible amounts ofradioactivity observed in the liver (0.11±0.06% ID/g) and spleen(0.14±0.01% ID/g). As the study progressed, the uptake level in thetumor determined by quantitative SPECT analysis increased gradually to274.48±77.62% ID/g at 5 w.p.i, as the tumor volume shrunk due to theradiotherapeutic effect of the nanoseeds.

The biodistribution of the nanoseeds were further investigated by aparallel ex vivo assay. At different time points during the study (1day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 5 weeks after injection), three micetreated with hot nanoseeds were sacrificed, and the organs of interest(blood, heart, lung, muscle, bone, fat, liver, spleen, kidney, stomach,small intestine, large intestine, brain, tail, and tumor) were excised,weighed, and then measured for radioactivity by a γ-counter. Thereafter,the tissues were dissolved using aqua regia and analyzed using ICP-MS tomeasure the Au and Pd content. There was good consistency between theγ-counter and ICP-MS results (no statistically significant difference,p=0.88), indicating that the radioactive Pd-103 stayed with thenanoseeds during the five weeks of the therapeutic study. The ex vivobiodistribution study demonstrated that 95.19±0.94% of the nanoseedsremained inside the tumor, while 3.31±1.11% and 0.39±0.24% went to theliver and spleen, respectively. No meaningful uptake was observed inother tissues. Further, the tumor uptake remained essentially the same(p 0.35) over the five weeks of the study.

C. Toxicity of Radioactive Nanoparticles

Toxicity of the radioactive nanoparticles of Example 14 was assessed andcompared with a control group and with the “cold” nanoseeds describedabove. Over the course of the 5-week treatment period, complete bloodcount (CBC), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST),blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels were monitored at 10and 30 d.p.i. Red blood cell (RBC) count and the mean hemoglobin volumeper RBC (MCH) remained unaffected throughout the study, suggesting thatthe therapy elicited no hemolytic effect. It is further noted that theradioactive nanoparticles initially reduced the white blood cell (WBC)count at 10 d.p.i., which is common to radiotherapy. However, the effectwas found to be reversible, as seen by the recovery of the WBC count tonormal after 30 d.p.i. A similar effect was observed in the case ofplatelet counts and other parameters. The BUN, ALT, AST and creatininetests showed no notable changes among the three groups of mice,indicating no kidney and liver related toxicity associated with theradioactive nanoparticles.

D. Therapeutic Efficacy of Radioactive Nanoparticles

The tumor volumes (FIG. 41) of three groups of tumor-bearing mice weremeasured using a caliper every other day in a double-blinded manner.After 15 d.p.i, a clear separation of tumor growth trend was seen(p<0.0001). A prominent reduction in tumor volume was noted in subjectstreated with the radioactive nanoparticles, while a progressiveincrement in tumor volume was observed in both PBS and cold nanoseedgroups. It is noteworthy that the volume of two tumors in two of themice in the radioactive nanoparticle test group shrank so much that theycould not be found after 35 d.p.i. The average tumor size in the PBS andcold nanoseed groups increased from 67.08±30.96 mm³ and 58.75±35.29 mm³to 187±80.11 mm³ and 122.14±4.082 mm³, respectively. On the other hand,in the radioactive nanoparticle group, a significant tumor sizereduction was observed: 82.75±46.25 mm³ to 19.83±20.12 mm³ (p<0.001)after 35 days of treatment.

[F18]FDG (2-[¹⁸F]Fluoro-2-deoxyglucose) positron emission tomography(PET) imaging was also employed for assessing therapeutic efficacy ofthe radioactive nanoparticles of Example 14. FIG. 43 shows typicalFDG-PET/CT scan images for the three studied groups of mice at differenttime points. It can be seen that at Day 0, the mice from all the threegroups had roughly the same tumor sizes with similar FDG uptakes, whileas the study progressed for 35 days, a significant tumor FDG uptakereduction was observed in the radioactive nanoparticle treated group(upper panel) as compared to that in the PBS (lower panel) and coldnanoseed (middle panel) treated groups. The quantitative PET analysis isillustrated in FIG. 44 as the maximum standardized uptake value(SUV_(max)) versus time. The SUV represents the concentration ofradioactivity in the tumor, normalized to the injected FDG dose and thebody weight. It shows that SUV_(max) for the mice treated with theradioactive nanoparticles decreased 62% from Day 0 to Day 35(p=0.00041), and at Day 35 was 65% (p=0.00019) and 66.5% (p=0.00028)less than that in the PBS and cold nanoseed treated groups,respectively. The decrease in the SUV_(max) of the radioactivenanoparticle-treated group to such a low level is evidence of thepathological responses of the tumors to the radiation therapy by theradioactive nanoparticles. CT images were also utilized to determine thetumor volume, as shown in FIG. 45.

E. Methods SPECT Imaging Method Using the Low Energy Emission of Pd-103

A SPECT imaging method with Pd-103 was developed in a NanoSPECT/CT PlusSystem (Bioscan, Washington, D.C., USA). The Pd-103 isotope was added tothe NanoSPECT/CT Plus isotope library by setting the energy peak andwidth to 18 keV and 60%, respectively. Quantification calibration wasperformed subsequently using a 3 mL syringe and 1.2 mCi of Pd-103.

Intratumoral Administration of Radioactive Nanoparticles and SPECTAnalysis

A radioactive nanoparticle dose (≈1.5 mCi) was prepared in PBS (pH 7.4)and injected intratumorally in PC3-tumor bearing SCID mice. Intratumoralinjection was carefully performed at 6-9 randomly selected locations.After injection, small animal imaging was performed using NanoSPECT/CTPlus System. After the intratumor injection of each dose, SPECT and CTimages were acquired at 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21 and 35 d.p.i. The field ofview (FOV) of the SPECT/CT was centered at the shoulders of the mouse.The CT imaging was performed using 360 projections per rotation with 55kVp, 1000 ms exposure, and the binning factor of 1:1. The SPECT datawere collected with 4 detector arrays collimated with multi-pinholeapertures giving a post-reconstruction resolution of 0.73 mm. The SPECTimage reconstruction was carried out using HiSPECT NG (Sciviswissenschaftliche Bildverarbeitung GmbH, Germany) with 35% smoothing,100% resolution, and 3×3 iterations (Standard mode). The quantificationof the tumor activity was performed using the InVivoScope 2.0 softwarepackage (Bioscan, Washington, D.C., USA). After co-registration of theCT and SPECT images, a cylindrical region of interest (ROI) was drawn,encompassing the tumor and liver in all planes containing the organs.

FDG-PET/CT Imaging

Mouse PET/CT imaging was performed using Siemens Inveon PET/CTmultimodality system (Siemens Medical Solutions, Knoxville, Tenn.) witheffective spatial resolution of 1.4 mm at the center of field of view(FOV). All animals were fasted for 12 hours prior to PET imaging. Eachmouse received 150 μCi of FDG in 150 μL in saline intravenously via tailvein injection. The mice were placed on a heat pad before and duringimage acquisition. PET images were acquired one hour post-injection(P.I.), for 15 minutes, with animals under 2.5% Isoflurane. PET imageswere reconstructed into a single frame using the 3D Ordered SubsetsExpectation Maximization (OSEM3D/MAP) algorithm. CT images were acquiredimmediately after PET with the FOV centered at the shoulder of themouse. CT projections (360 steps/rotation) were acquired with a power of80 kVp, current of 500 μA, exposure time of 145 ms, binning of 4, andeffective pixel size of 102 μm. The CT reconstruction protocol used adownsample factor of 2, was set to interpolate bilinearly, and used aShepp-Logan filter. PET and CT images were co-registered in InveonAcquisition Workplace (Siemens Medical Solutions, Knoxville, Tenn.) foranalysis. Regions of interest (ROI) were drawn manually, encompassingthe tumor in all planes containing the tissue. The target activity wascalculated as percentage injected dose per gram.

Ex Vivo Measurements of Radioactivities and Au and Pd Contents AmongVarious Organs

At 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 5 weeks after the injection ofradioactive nanoparticles, three mice were sacrificed, and the desiredorgans including blood, heart, lung, muscle, bone, fat, liver, spleen,kidney, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, brain, tail, andtumor were collected, weighed and transferred to 20 mL vials. To measurethe radioactivity associated with each organ, the activity of each vialwas measured in a γ-counter (Perkin Elmer 2480 Wizard) and recorded ascounts per minute. Then, aqua regia was added to the vials and leftovernight to digest the organs. After 24 h, the aqua regia is boiled offat 150° C. After boiling, 10 mL of 1% HCl solution was added to thevials, which were then sonicated for 30 minutes. The Au and Pdconcentration were then measured in an inductively coupled plasma massspectrometer (ICP-MS, Agilent 7700x). The measurement was repeated atleast three times for each sample.

Statistical Analysis

Quantitative data were expressed as mean±standard errors of mean (SEM).Comparison among the means and the significance evaluation wereperformed by one-way ANOVA, where P values of <0.05 were consideredstatistically significant. The data from different groups and withineach individual group at different time points were compared todetermine whether they were statistically distinguishable. All dataanalysis was carried out using SPSS Ver. 16.0 software (IBM SPSSStatistics).

Example 16 Radioactive Nanoparticles and Method of PerformingBrachytherapy

Radioactive nanoparticles according to one embodiment described hereinare prepared and used to perform brachytherapy as follows.

First, ¹⁰³Pd@Au nanoseeds are prepared as described above in Example 14.Next, a thiolated 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraaceticacid (DOTA) is conjugated to the surface of the nanoseeds. Finally, theconjugated DOTA ligands are radiolabeled with Y-90, resulting inradioactive nanoparticles having a composite radiation profile includingtwo differing radiation profiles from two differing radioisotopes: (1) amore rapid decay profile provided by Y-90 and (2) a slower decay profileprovided by Pd-103. These dual-emitting radioactive nanoparticles arethen administered intraarterially to the liver. Specifically, theradioactive nanoparticles are injected into the hepatic artery to treatprimary liver cancer or hepatocellular cancer (HCC) with both a low doserate (LDR) and a high dose rate (HDR).

All patent documents referred to herein are incorporated by reference intheir entireties. Various embodiments of the invention have beendescribed in fulfillment of the various objectives of the invention. Itshould be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative ofthe principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications andadaptations thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A radioactive nanoparticle comprising: ametal nanoparticle core; an outer metal shell disposed over the metalnanoparticle core; and a metallic radioisotope disposed within the metalnanoparticle core or within the outer metal shell, wherein theradioactive nanoparticle has a size of about 30-500 nm in threedimensions.
 2. The radioactive nanoparticle of claim 1, wherein theradioactive nanoparticle has a size of about 80-200 nm in threedimensions.
 3. The radioactive nanoparticle of claim 1 furthercomprising an inner metal shell disposed between the metal nanoparticlecore and the outer metal shell.
 4. The radioactive nanoparticle of claim3, wherein the inner metal shell is formed from a metal having a lowerreduction potential than a metal of the outer metal shell.
 5. Theradioactive nanoparticle of claim 1, wherein the metal nanoparticle coreand the outer metal shell are formed from the same metal or combinationof metals.
 6. The radioactive nanoparticle of claim 1, wherein the metalnanoparticle core and the outer metal shell are formed from differingmetals or combinations of metals.
 7. The radioactive nanoparticle ofclaim 6, wherein the metal nanoparticle core is formed from a metalhaving a higher reduction potential than a metal of the outer metalshell.
 8. The radioactive nanoparticle of claim 3, wherein the metalnanoparticle core is formed from Au, the inner metal shell is formedfrom Cu, and the outer metal shell is formed from Pd, Rh, or Au.
 9. Theradioactive nanoparticle of claim 1, wherein the metallic radioisotopeis disposed within the outer metal shell.
 10. The radioactivenanoparticle of claim 9, wherein the metallic radioisotope comprises ametal that is the same as a metal of the outer metal shell.
 11. Theradioactive nanoparticle of claim 9, wherein the metallic radioisotopeand the outer metal shell are formed from differing metallic elements.12. The radioactive nanoparticle of claim 1 further comprising a secondmetallic radioisotope disposed within the metal nanoparticle core orwithin the outer metal shell.
 13. The radioactive nanoparticle of claim1, wherein the metallic radioisotope is disposed within the metalnanoparticle core.
 14. The radioactive nanoparticle of claim 1, whereinthe metallic radioisotope comprises Cu-64, Cu-67, Y-90, Pd-103, Rh-105,Re-186, Re-188, Ir-192, or Au-198.
 15. The radioactive nanoparticle ofclaim 1, wherein the radioactive nanoparticle has a negative surfacecharge.
 16. A method of performing brachytherapy, the method comprising:disposing a composition within a biological compartment, wherein thecomposition comprises a plurality of radioactive nanoparticles, at leastone of the plurality of radioactive nanoparticles comprising: a metalnanoparticle core; an outer metal shell disposed over the metalnanoparticle core; and a metallic radioisotope disposed within the metalnanoparticle core or within the outer metal shell, wherein theradioactive nanoparticle has a size of about 30-500 nm in threedimensions.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the metallicradioisotope is a β-emitter.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein thebiological compartment is a tumor.
 19. The method of claim 18, whereinat least about 80% of the radioactive nanoparticles are retained withinthe tumor for at least 3 weeks.
 20. The method of claim 16 furthercomprising: irradiating the biological compartment with an external beamof ionizing radiation.